Everyone Has A Story - Hosted by Kam and Cody

Kam Spackman

This podcast is about real life and real people. The wins, the struggles, the lessons, and the stories that shape who we are. I sit down with all kinds of guests, business owners, ranchers, friends, entrepreneurs, and everyday people, to talk about life, work, faith, challenges, and everything in between. No scripts, no filters. Just honest conversations that remind us we’re all figuring life out together.

  1. Aug 10

    Life Doesn't Come With a Warning Label | Juston Kowalski

    There are some conversations you never forget... and this is one of them. This week on Everyone Has a Story, Cody and I sit down with Juston Kowalski of Preston, Idaho. Raised in Richmond, Utah, Juston's life has been anything but easy. As a young boy, he lost his father to kidney failure, a loss that forever changed the course of his life. He opens up about the pain of losing a parent, the uncertainty that followed, and how his aunt and uncle stepped in to adopt him while his grandpa became one of the biggest influences in raising him. Even today, years later, the emotion is still there. During this conversation, Juston shares moments that brought all of us to tears as he explains that no one is ever truly prepared to lose someone they love. But life wasn't done testing him. At just 27 years old, Juston suddenly lost his job. The stress, anxiety, and uncertainty became so overwhelming that he suffered a stress-induced heart attack. He ignored the pain for days before finally seeking medical attention, only to hear the words no one ever wants to hear: "You're lucky to be alive." That moment forced him to reevaluate everything. What followed was a powerful conversation about perspective, mental health, grief, resilience, family, faith, and learning how to keep moving forward when life doesn't go according to plan. This episode isn't polished or scripted. It's honest. It's emotional. There are tears. There is laughter. And there are lessons that every one of us can take away. If you've ever lost a parent... If you've ever felt like life knocked you flat... If you've ever battled stress, anxiety, or wondered how to start over... This episode is for you. Because no matter what you've been through, you're not alone. Remember... Everyone Has a Story.

  2. Jul 27

    Three Stories. One Table. The Journey Behind Small Town Ruckus | Part 1

    If you've been following Everyone Has a Story, then you know we love sitting down with people who are building something bigger than themselves. This week was no exception. For the first time, Cody and I hit the road and joined the crew behind the Small Town Ruckus Podcast in Soda Springs, Idaho. We sat down with Tracy Davis, Kaid Panek, and Casey Batterton for what turned into such an incredible conversation that we had no choice but to split it into two episodes. This wasn't just a conversation about podcasting. It was about life, community, sacrifice, and what it really takes to build something meaningful while balancing careers, families, and everything else life throws your way. Each of these guys comes from a completely different background. Kaid Panek is a rancher and social media influencer who has built an incredible following while staying true to his agricultural roots. Casey Batterton serves his community as both a nurse and the county coroner, carrying responsibilities that most people couldn't imagine. Tracy Davis owns a diesel repair business, is well-known throughout the community, and somehow still finds the time to help create content that brings people together. Despite their demanding schedules, they all make time to sit around a table, turn on the microphones, and create something that has become much bigger than just another podcast. Their show has become a part of the community. Local restaurants and drink shops have even named menu items after the Small Town Ruckus Podcast, showing just how much support they've earned from the people around them. In Part 1, we dive into how the podcast first came to life. We talk about where the idea started, the doubts they faced early on, the challenges of staying consistent, and what it's like trying to balance careers, businesses, families, and podcasting all at the same time. Nothing is sugar-coated. It's an honest conversation about the highs, the lows, and the reality behind building something from the ground up. One thing that stood out throughout the conversation was the genuine friendship between these three guys. They joke with each other, challenge one another, and aren't afraid to be real. That's what makes this episode special. It feels less like an interview and more like sitting around the table with friends. Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast, building a business, chasing a dream, or you're simply looking for a conversation that reminds you of the power of community, this episode has something for you. This is only Part 1. Trust us—you'll want to come back for Part 2. If you enjoy what we're doing, the best way you can support both podcasts is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, and telling someone about it. That's how small-town stories continue to reach people who need to hear them. Because at the end of the day... Everyone has a story.

  3. Jul 20

    Answering the Call | Brandon Smith on Service, Sacrifice & Community

    What does it really mean to answer the call? In Episode 22 of Everyone Has a Story, Kam and Cody sit down with Brandon Smith, a lifelong Preston, Idaho local whose life has been dedicated to serving others. While many people know Brandon as a firefighter, EMT, Search & Rescue volunteer, CPR instructor, Fair Board member, Bull Bonanza volunteer, and community leader, few truly understand the sacrifices that come with that calling. This conversation goes far beyond lights and sirens. Brandon shares what it's really like to respond to emergencies, the emotional weight that first responders carry, and the difficult calls that never leave you. He opens up about balancing a full-time career while volunteering countless hours to multiple organizations, all while striving to be the husband and father his family deserves. Sometimes dinner gets interrupted. Holidays change in an instant. Family plans are put on hold because someone else is experiencing the worst day of their life. We also dive into Brandon's passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation. As an EMS and CPR instructor, he has dedicated countless hours to training first responders and preparing others to save lives. His impact reaches far beyond the emergencies he responds to—it's reflected in the people he teaches and the example he sets for his own children, many of whom are already developing a passion for serving their community. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes something even bigger. Kam, Brandon and Cody have an honest discussion about life, careers, stress, friendships, and the pressure many of us place on ourselves. Together, they reflect on what truly matters in life. Is success measured by the things we own, or by the people who stand beside us when life gets difficult? They talk about the importance of having a strong support system, surrounding yourself with good people, and realizing that family, friendships, and serving others often bring more fulfillment than chasing material things. This episode is emotional, inspiring, and full of perspective. Whether you're a first responder, have a loved one who serves, or simply want a deeper appreciation for the men and women who quietly answer the call every day, this conversation is for you. To every firefighter, EMT, paramedic, law enforcement officer, Search & Rescue volunteer, dispatcher, and every person who sacrifices their time, energy, and sometimes their own safety for others—thank you. Your service often goes unseen, but it never goes unnoticed. If this episode speaks to you, please take a moment to follow, share, and leave a review. Every share helps us continue telling the stories of the incredible people who make our communities stronger. Because behind every uniform... Everyone Has a Story.

  4. Jul 13

    More Than the Hunt | Benton & Lindsey Christensen on Archery, Family, and Finding Purpose in the Outdoors

    For some people, archery and hunting are hobbies. For Benton and Lindsey Christensen, they're a way of life. In this episode of Everyone Has a Story, Kam and Cody sit down with father and daughter Benton and Lindsey Christensen to talk about a passion that has shaped generations of their family. Benton didn't grow up hunting or shooting competitively, but after discovering archery at a young age, it quickly became something that changed the direction of his life. That passion eventually became something he passed on to his children, including Lindsey, who has gone on to compete across the country, travel on incredible adventures, and even appear on the television series Extreme Huntress. But this conversation goes far beyond bows, arrows, and trophies. Benton and Lindsey share what being outdoors truly means to them. They talk about the peace that comes from sitting quietly in the mountains before sunrise, the respect they have for wildlife, and why hunting has taught them lessons about patience, discipline, gratitude, and perseverance. They explain how those experiences have influenced the people they've become and why they believe nature has a way of putting life into perspective. They also discuss their commitment to giving back. Through their local archery club, they spend countless hours introducing youth and beginners to the sport, helping people build confidence, learn safe shooting habits, and discover a lifelong passion. Watching others grow and succeed has become just as rewarding as any competition or hunt. The conversation also tackles one of the more difficult sides of the hunting community—criticism. Benton and Lindsey openly discuss the comments they've received from anti-hunters and how they've learned to respond with respect, education, and understanding rather than anger. Whether you agree with hunting or not, their perspective offers an honest look into why so many people find purpose, responsibility, and appreciation for wildlife through the outdoors. This episode isn't about convincing anyone to hunt. It's about understanding people whose lives have been deeply impacted by family traditions, time spent in nature, and a passion that has connected them with communities around the world. No matter your background, there's something powerful in hearing why people love what they do and how it has helped shape who they are. We hope you'll join us for another authentic conversation as we continue proving that everyone truly has a story. 🎙️ Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the full video on YouTube. If you enjoy the episode, we'd be incredibly grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else. Every share helps us continue bringing meaningful stories from everyday people to our community.

  5. Jul 6

    Choosing the Positive | Tracy Davis on Business, Perspective & Finding Joy Through Life's Challenges

    There are some people who walk through incredibly difficult seasons in life, but instead of letting those moments define them, they choose to let them shape them. Tracy Davis is one of those people. From Soda Springs, Idaho, Tracy wears a lot of hats. He's the owner of Davis Repair, a well-known live event announcer for RMSHA and countless other events across the West, and one of the voices behind The Small Town Ruckus podcast. He's built a business, a reputation, and a life centered around serving people and his community. What made this conversation so different from many of our previous episodes wasn't what Tracy shared—it was what he chose not to. Throughout this episode, Tracy opens up about his journey, his business, and the experiences that have molded him into the man he is today. While he acknowledges the hardships he's faced, he intentionally doesn't spend much time reliving the darkest chapters. Instead, he focuses on the lessons, the victories, the people who helped him along the way, and the mindset that allowed him to keep moving forward. It's a refreshing reminder that while our struggles are part of our story, they don't have to become our entire identity. We talk about entrepreneurship, building a business from the ground up, finding purpose in serving others, balancing family and work, the importance of community, and why choosing gratitude can completely change the direction of your life. This episode isn't filled with dramatic moments or heartbreaking details. Instead, it's packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a perspective that's becoming harder and harder to find in today's world. If you've ever been working toward something bigger...If you've ever faced setbacks...If you've ever needed a reminder that there's still good ahead... This conversation is for you. Sometimes the strongest people aren't the ones who tell you every painful detail of their past. Sometimes they're the ones who quietly show you that healing, growth, and hope are possible simply by the way they choose to live today. We're grateful Tracy trusted us with his story, and we hope this conversation leaves you walking away with a little more gratitude, a little more perspective, and the reminder that every one of us gets to choose what kind of story we continue writing. Because everyone has a story.

  6. Jun 29

    Still Standing: Stephen Page's Story of Service and Survival

    Some battles happen on foreign soil. Others happen quietly in our own minds. In this powerful episode of Everyone Has a Story, we sit down with Stephen Page, a Dayton, Idaho native whose life journey has taken him from a small-town upbringing to military deployments overseas, national athletic championships, private security work, and ultimately a personal battle that many veterans know all too well. After graduating from Westside High School, Stephen joined the military and served as a Human Intelligence Collector during the Global War on Terror. His service took him overseas during some of the most challenging years of the conflict, where he experienced situations that would leave a lasting impact long after he returned home. But this episode isn't just about military service. It's about what happens when the uniform comes off. Stephen opens up about the realities of PTSD, survivor's guilt, and the emotional weight that many veterans carry long after the fighting ends. He shares what it was like trying to find purpose, identity, and direction while navigating struggles that most people never see. We also dive into his incredible journey through martial arts, becoming a U.S. National Heavyweight Olympic Taekwondo Champion and Pan American Open Champion, proving that discipline and resilience can carry a person through even the darkest chapters of life. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply human. It's about strength, but not the kind most people think of. It's about vulnerability, healing, faith, perseverance, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming. Whether you've served in the military, know someone who has, struggle with your own mental health, or simply need a reminder that you're not alone in your battles, this episode will leave an impact. Stephen's story reminds us that some of the strongest people we know are often fighting battles we cannot see. And sometimes, the greatest act of courage is simply choosing to keep going. This is a conversation about service, sacrifice, survival, and hope. And it's one you won't soon forget.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This podcast is about real life and real people. The wins, the struggles, the lessons, and the stories that shape who we are. I sit down with all kinds of guests, business owners, ranchers, friends, entrepreneurs, and everyday people, to talk about life, work, faith, challenges, and everything in between. No scripts, no filters. Just honest conversations that remind us we’re all figuring life out together.

You Might Also Like