Hangin' Out with Bob

Hangin' Out with Bob

di Bob Edholm
Tempo libero
Stagione 2

Catching Up: A Decades-Long Friendship (with Dennis Tkach)

What happens when you press pause on a friendship for decades, and then suddenly hit play? It's like playing an old favorite VHS tape. The quality might be a little grainy at first, but you still remember every scene before it happens. In this podcast episode, host Bob Edholm and guest Dennis Tkach, both of whom grew up in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, get together after several decades of crossing paths only occasionally. What starts as a long-overdue catch-up quickly turns into a masterclass in nostalgia as these two old friends look back on their shared history. Dennis grew up as one of seven kids in a musical family, and his roots in Columbia Heights run deep. His parents even started a music store on Central Avenue (B Sharp Music), right across the alley from their childhood home. Dennis went to local Heights schools—two of which were just across the street—before heading off to college in Wisconsin and Minnesota. That education launched a decades-long career as a corporate trainer for businesses locally and worldwide. Music remained a central part of his life; Dennis and three of his siblings performed together in a variety dance band for over 40 years, playing more than 2,500 events across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. Now retired, Dennis and Patty, his wife of nearly 42 years, enjoy traveling both across the country and overseas. Despite his travels, Dennis remains deeply connected to his roots, actively keeping the Columbia Heights High School Class of 1972 connected through Facebook updates, casual get-togethers, and formal class reunions. While the years have stretched between Bob and Dennis, they prove in this podcast episode that true friendship doesn't skip a beat. They spend the hour sharing laugh-out-loud memories and reflecting on how their lives have evolved since their school days. It is a heartwarming, fun, and deeply relatable conversation about growing up, staying connected, and the timeless bond of old friends.
S2 · E16
6 ott 2026
1:07:39

1976: Tracking Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (with Brad Johs)

Esplicito
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers changed rock and roll forever when they dropped their self-titled debut album on November 9, 1976. In this episode of “Hangin’ Out with Bob,” podcast host Bob Edholm and his friend Brad Johs take a “deep dive” into the record that started it all—the first of the Heartbreakers’ 13 studio albums that would define a legendary 40-year career. Brad previously joined Bob on the August 4, 2026 episode to share his wealth of knowledge about the music of Tom Petty. While Petty is best known for his 13 studio albums with the Heartbreakers, his massive catalog also includes three solo albums, two studio albums with the Traveling Wilburys, and two with his original group, Mudcrutch. But with such a large catalog of work, Bob and Brad only scratched the surface of Tom Petty's timeless music in their first podcast episode. Now, they are taking a series of “deep dives” into each of his original studio albums. In this episode on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' self-titled debut album, Bob and Brad go beyond just the iconic singles "Breakdown" and "American Girl." They also dive into the album’s incredible deep cuts, including the bluesy swagger of "Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)," the raw garage-rock energy of "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll," and the haunting, atmospheric sounds of "Luna." Whether you've been part of the Tom Petty Nation for life or you're just diving into the Heartbreakers' classic debut, turn up the volume—you won't want to miss this audio journey.
S2 · E15
28 set 2026
31:53

A “Golden Era” of Twin Cities music: the mid-1960s through the 1970s (an interview with Paul Groves)

If you grew up in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul during the mid-1960s and 1970s, you know it was a “golden era” for local music. We had legendary venues, unforgettable bands, and a rock scene that could rival any major city in the country. In this podcast episode, host Bob Edholm gets together with Paul Groves, his friend since their junior high school days in Columbia Heights, to talk about that special time for local music. Paul’s journey into the Twin Cities music scene began when he was just 11 years old and saw The Bad Omens, a local rock band, play at the Columbia Heights Field House. In addition to the Field House, Paul started watching bands play at nearby venues like the KC Hall and Casino Royale in Fridley and the eighth-floor auditorium at Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis. Once Paul reached “driving age,” he saw bands play at places like The Launching Pad and The Mermaid in Mounds View and The Chalet in Robbinsdale. Basically, Paul watched dozens of local bands virtually every weekend in the mid-1960s and 1970s. Some of those unforgettable Twin Cites bands that Paul followed included South 40 (later renamed Crow), The Castaways, The Del Counts, The Underbeats (later renamed Gypsy), The Hot Half Dozen, Michael’s Mystics, and T.C. Atlantic. But Paul didn’t just watch the Twin Cities music scene grow—he became a part of that scene as a drummer and singer. He bought a Slingerland silver-sparkled drum set at B Sharp Music in Northeast Minneapolis, and he played in a couple of Heights bands in the late 1960s (The Fourth Generation) and Seventies (Hi-Way). And more recently, Paul provided the vocals for several recorded covers of classic Beatles tunes. Also in this episode, Paul gives kudos to several outstanding bands and musicians from the Heights during that same “golden era” of Twin Cities music. Paul has lived in Florida since late 2019 (he loves the warm weather so he can wear short pants every day of the year!), but he was back in Minnesota in August 2026 to organize the 55-year reunion for the Columbia Heights Senior High School Class of 1971. (To paraphrase an old advertising jingle, “You can take Paul out of the Heights, but you can’t take the Heights out of Paul.”) So have a listen as Paul shares with Bob his stories and memories of the Twin Cities rock band scene in the mid-1960s and well into the 1970s.
S2 · E14
1 set 2026
44:39

Tom Petty: a timeless rock-and-roll legacy (with guest Brad Johs)

Long before he became a rock legend in a top hat, Tom Petty was just a young man in Florida with a guitar, a dream, and a refusal to back down. He was 23 years old when he moved from his hometown of Gainesville to Los Angeles and went on to become a legendary rock singer and songwriter with such classic hits as “American Girl” and “Free Fallin’.” In this podcast episode, host Bob Edholm has invited his friend Brad Johs, a longtime fan of Tom Petty, to talk about Tom’s iconic catalog of songs and albums and his lasting influence on American music. Consider this about Tom Petty: · He led Tom Petty and Heartbreakers (including world-class lead guitarist Mike Campbell), who released 13 original studio albums that achieved steady commercial longevity and mainstream rock radio dominance. The band is also in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. · Tom co-founded the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys with former Beatle George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. The Traveling Wilburys released two albums and achieved massive success, highlighted by multi-platinum album certifications, despite never going on a live tour. (And check out the top hat Tom is wearing in the Wilburys’ music video “Handle with Care.” · He recorded three solo albums—Full Moon Fever (1989), Wildflowers (1994), and Highway Competition (2006)—that achieved strong commercial success and high chart placements on the U.S. Billboard charts. · And, Tom recorded two LPs with Mudcrutch, his original band, which formed in the 1970s, but recorded the albums decades later just for the joy of playing with his early friends. Brad will discuss the roots of Tom Petty’s musical influences (from Elvis Presley, whom Tom met as a young boy when Tom’s uncle was working on the set of Elvis’ film Follow That Dream in Ocala, Florida; to the Beatles, when Tom saw them on The Ed Sullivan Show). So have a listen as Bob and Brad discuss the joys of listening to the music of Tom Petty, a man who successfully blended rock with some country and folk roots into timeless, honest anthems that are as popular today as ever.
S2 · E13
4 ago 2026
1:09:42

The 1957 Memorial Day Plane Crash in Northeast Minneapolis (with Dave Edholm)

It was a beautiful Memorial Day holiday in 1957, just a little after eleven o’clock. Two young brothers, ages 4 and 2½, were playing on the swing set in the backyard of their house in Northeast Minneapolis. Suddenly, their quiet, peaceful morning was interrupted by the roar of a plummeting jet fighter plane that crashed directly onto the street just a block away from where the brothers were playing. Within seconds of the crash, the stunned boys spotted a giant fireball that rose above the rooftops and treetops in their neighborhood. Their dad rushed out of the house to get them safely inside the house. How did the crash happen? Four U.S. Navy fighter jets had just flown over a nearby cemetery as part of a traditional Memorial Day ceremony. Tragically, two of those jets collided in midair over Northeast Minneapolis and crashed. One of the pilots was killed, nine civilians on the ground were injured, and several homes were burned. The pilot of the second plane was able to parachute to safety. It turns out that podcast host Bob Edholm and his brother Dave were the two young boys playing on the swing set just a block away from where one of the planes crashed. As young as they were in 1957 (Bob was the 4-year-old and Dave was the 2½-year-old), both of them remember that incident. However, there were many details about the Memorial Day crash that they didn’t know. For example: · Who were the pilots involved in the crash? · Where did the second plane involved in that midair collision crash? · Where did the pilot of that second plane who parachuted to safety land? · What conclusions regarding the crash were drawn following an investigation by the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inquiry? · How typical were aircraft disasters in Minneapolis during the 1950s? After taking a “deep dive” to learn more about that midair disaster on May 30, 1957, Bob shares the results of his research in this podcast episode. He and Dave recall their own memories of that day, and they also reminisce about that neighborhood in Northeast Minneapolis where they lived in the 1950s and early 1960s.
S2 · E12
21 lug 2026
49:28

From Surviving to Thriving: An Interview with Author Tom Madigan (Part Two)

In Part Two of this episode, podcast host Bob Edholm continues the interview with his friend, Tom Madigan, regarding Tom’s new book entitled I Survived: Living with the Trauma of a Dependent Parent. In Part One, Tom discussed his research into several current theories on the causes of alcohol dependency, and how genetic theories, as well as some environmental impacts, helped contribute to his dad’s alcoholism. Tom also shared his family history, particularly of his dad, his mother, and his sister. In Part Two, Tom shares how some of the personality traits typical of children of a dependent were manifested in himself. But thanks to counseling, as well as support from family and mentors, Tom tells how he learned to recognize and address those traits so he could move forward with his life. Tom has gone from surviving to thriving. He has found success personally and professionally despite his trauma, and he hopes his book will provide a hopeful message for all people struggling with a dependent family member.
S2 · E11
23 giu 2026
41:06

From Surviving to Thriving: An Interview with Author Tom Madigan (Part One)

What’s it like to grow up with a parent who struggled from alcohol abuse? What steps can the child of an alcoholic parent take to survive that trauma and move forward and thrive? Podcast host Bob Edholm sits down to talk with his friend Tom Madigan, who grew up as the child of an alcoholic parent—his dad. Tom has written a book entitled I Survived: Living with the Trauma of a Dependent Parent, which was released in February 2026. As they discuss his book, Tom shares his life experiences and the trauma that he, his mother, and his sister faced as a result of his dad’s alcohol dependency. In Part One of this two-part episode, Tom discusses his research into several current theories on the causes of alcohol dependency, and how genetic theories, as well as some environmental impacts, helped contribute to his dad’s alcoholism. Tom also does a “deep dive” into his family history, particularly of his dad, his mom, and his sister.
S2 · E10
23 giu 2026
42:56

Skating Clean: A Story of Reconciliation (Part Two)

In Part Two of this podcast episode, host Bob Edholm talks about the two-week criminal trial of Boston Bruins player Dave Forbes, who was charged with aggravated assault after attacking Minnesota North Stars player Henry Boucha in a hockey game played in January 1975. Forbes had struck Boucha in the eye with his stick, leaving Boucha with double vision and an abruptly ended NHL career. Bob cites articles from the Minneapolis Tribune that describe the criminal trial, including case details, witness testimonies, attorney arguments, and post-trial juror thoughts. Bob also talks about a podcast in which Dave Forbes described how he had reached out to Henry Boucha 46 years after that attack to offer a long-awaited apology. What happened next is a touching, true story of pain, resilience, and the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Step into an extraordinary decades-long journey that explores how two former rivals found peace.
S2 · E9
9 giu 2026
28:40

Skating Clean: A Story of Reconciliation (Part One)

In January 1975, Boston Bruins player Dave Forbes struck Minnesota North Stars player Henry Boucha in the eye with his hockey stick, leaving Boucha with double vision and an abruptly ended National Hockey League career. Podcast host Bob Edholm was at that game. He was then a 21-year-old college student who sold beer and peanuts at Met Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. But because he was working behind his portable bar in the concourse serving customers, Bob did not see that attack by Forbes on Boucha. That incident in 1975, though, was something that Bob thought about often over the next half-century. He was especially interested to learn what happened to both Forbes and Boucha in the decades that followed. In Part One of this two-part episode, Bob sets the scene. A capacity crowd had filled the Met Center to watch the hometown North Stars take on “the big bad Boston Bruins,” a team that had won Stanley Cup championships in 1970 and 1972. Bob cites articles in the Minneapolis Tribune that describe the attack by Forbes on Boucha, the injury Boucha sustained, and the suspension and criminal charge filed against Forbes as a result of the attack.
S2 · E8
9 giu 2026
23:48

Met Center Nights (with Jon Lawrence)

In this special podcast episode of “Hangin’ Out with Bob,” we’re “flipping the script.” That’s right. Frequent guest Jon Lawrence takes the reins to interview podcast host Bob Edholm about a place that Bob remembers fondly—the Met Center, an indoor arena that stood in Bloomington, Minnesota, from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. For those who may not be familiar with the venue, the Met Center was home of the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1967 to 1993. As a teenager, Bob loved the atmosphere, the electricity, and the excitement he felt every time he went to North Stars games at the Met Center. This was Bob’s “happy place.” While he was a student at the University of Minnesota in the 1970s, Bob landed a part-time job at the Met Center—as a “beertender.” Dressed in a green vest, a white shirt, and yellow (clip-on) tie, Bob worked behind a portable bar set up in the concourse of the Met Center to sell beer and peanuts to fans. (In 1974, a 12-ounce beer and a bag of peanuts there sold for a total of $1.05!) And it wasn’t just for North Stars games that Bob tapped the kegs and poured the beer for customers. He also worked at events like boxing matches, exhibitions by the Harlem Globetrotters, and concerts that ranged from Led Zeppelin to Seals & Crofts to … Lawrence Welk and His Orchestra. Even after he graduated from college and stopped working at the Met Center, Bob continued to go to North Stars games for several more seasons. Sadly, the North Stars left Minnesota after the 1992-93 season, and the Met Center itself was demolished in December 1994. So click to listen as guest Jon Lawrence “flips the script” to interview host Bob Edholm about the Met Center, the gone-but-not-forgotten venue that will always hold a special place in Bob’s heart.
S2 · E7
21 apr 2026
42:38
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