Unfiltered: Conversations with Myron

Myron Bontrager
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Over the years, Myron discovered the profound impact of sharing our personal stories. Recently, he intentionally created a dedicated space and time to listen to the stories of those he deeply respected. Here are some of their stories — raw and unfiltered. He hopes you find them as captivating as he has.-------Myron Bontrager is the co-owner of The Electric Brew Coffee House and Roasters. The Electric Brew has three locations in northern Indiana (Goshen, Elkhart, and Ivy Tech Elkhart).  Since its founding in 1996, the Electric Brew has been where friends gather. To learn more, visit theelectricbrew.com

  1. Kelli and Mike Ellis

    04/28/2025

    Kelli and Mike Ellis

    While Myron had decided to end his bike trip across the country, he and Dana are still out there making new friends and having unfiltered conversations. Mike and Kelli Ellis share their journey to the First Baptist Church of Sanderson.  Visit the Electric Brew

    59 min
  2. Jocelyn and Ernie in Roswell

    04/21/2025

    Jocelyn and Ernie in Roswell

    Myron and Dana made their way to Roswell, yes, that Roswell. While there, they met Jocelyn and Ernie at “Food Not Bombs.” A nonprofit that recovers food that would otherwise be discarded. Both Jocelyn and Ernie share where their deeply personal relationship with food insecurity began.  Visit the Electric Brew

    47 min
  3. Jason and Jackie Reames

    04/14/2025

    Jason and Jackie Reames

    As Myron and Dana travel across the country, they can't help but meet and have Unfiltered Conversations with folks they meet. This week, Jason and Jackie Reames share overcoming many personal difficulties to find love for each other, their children, and their community. They are also owners of a BBQ and Burger food truck in New Waverly, TX.  Check them out on Facebook! Double J's Burgers & BBQ Visit the Electric Brew

    49 min
  4. Heidi Jackson

    04/01/2025

    Heidi Jackson

    After retirement, Myron and Dana hit the road! This special BONUS episode is one of the first Unfiltered episodes born on the road. We hope there are many more to follow! Heidi Jackson is an extraordinary individual! Standing tall at 6'8", she made waves during her college basketball career at Vanderbilt University. Heidi was a dominant force on the court, earning numerous accolades, including being named a Kodak First Team All-American in 1993 and leading Vanderbilt to its only Final Four appearance that same year. Off the court, she was admired for her charisma and was even voted Homecoming Queen by her peers in 1993. Her family is equally remarkable, with five towering sons whose heights range from 6'3" to 7'0". Dana randomly met her at a Goodwill in Mississippi while we were trekking across the southern United States. After a friendly conversation, Heidi invited us to her home for dinner. She is a warm and kind-hearted person, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and her family. Visit the Electric Brew

    46 min
  5. E-Man

    03/17/2025

    E-Man

    The author shares the story of his name, "E-Man," derived from the show Family Matters. Born and raised in Goshen, Indiana, he attended Catholic schools and adopted the nickname "E-Man" (God with us), inspired by his mother's story as a refugee from Nicaragua.   Growing up in Indiana with a Catholic background, his childhood included playing with G.I. Joes and watching pro wrestling. His professional career began with making custom orthotics in South Bend, then shifted to working with personal fitness at Goshen Anytime Fitness. He felt called to become a personal trainer.   Now living in Goshen, the speaker was influenced by his Purdue degree to pursue therapy and counseling. His career has focused on helping others heal from the inside out through various therapies and understanding their goals. His journey embodies personal growth, career development, and a desire to help others. Visit the Electric Brew

    45 min
  6. Ted Swartz

    03/10/2025

    Ted Swartz

    In this episode of Unfiltered Conversations with Myron, Ted Swartz shares his journey as a storyteller and comedian. He grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania, where he was a part of a rural community that was influenced by Mennonite values. His brother and sister were part of a group that shared a love for baseball and comedy. Ted was married at 19 and worked as a meat cutter until his father's store closed. He attended Eastern Mennonite University and seminary because it was the quickest path to Pastoral Ministry. He signed up for an acting class at the college, thinking it would help him in preaching and speaking. Ted fell in love with acting almost immediately. He felt like he had been in hibernation in the world of comedy, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Ted's story is about finding humor in any story, whether it's a comedic story or not. He believes that there's humor in everything, and that there's a purpose to his work. Ted's journey as a storyteller and comedian has been shaped by his upbringing, experiences, and passion for comedy. Visit the Electric Brew

    50 min
  7. Tami Hicks

    03/03/2025

    Tami Hicks

    Tammy Hicks, a native of Goshen, shares her journey from growing up in Florida to becoming a teacher. Born in Colorado Springs, she moved to Florida at nine and attended Model Elementary and Goshen Middle Schools. She graduated from Goshen High School. Tammy's hardworking parents supported her interests in music and cheerleading. After high school, Tammy attended IUSB but paused her education upon learning she was pregnant with her son, Ethan. Balancing work, college, and raising a child with special needs, she received a lot of support from her community and family, fueling her passion for helping kids. Tammy's parents, from lower-income backgrounds, worked multiple jobs. Her mother was at JCPenney's, and her father spent 20 years in radio, notably at WFRN. Tammy's story underscores the importance of investing in the next generation and the sacrifices made by parents to provide for their children. Visit the Electric Brew

    45 min
  8. Ben Sywulka

    02/24/2025

    Ben Sywulka

    Sywulka is the Founder and Chief Dot Connector of HAPI, with expertise in national innovation ecosystems, corporate innovation management, and social innovation. He is a Guatemalan linguist and author, translated the Bible into Mam, an indigenous language. Inspired by his missionary grandparents, he studied linguistics. Sywulka emphasizes addressing smaller issues to tackle bigger problems and advocates for simplifying life's complexities to find straightforward solutions. His family moved between Guatemala City, California, and Boston before settling in Goshen. His experiences in Guatemala shaped his views on poverty and reality, stressing the importance of simple solutions. Visit the Electric Brew

    53 min
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About

Over the years, Myron discovered the profound impact of sharing our personal stories. Recently, he intentionally created a dedicated space and time to listen to the stories of those he deeply respected. Here are some of their stories — raw and unfiltered. He hopes you find them as captivating as he has.-------Myron Bontrager is the co-owner of The Electric Brew Coffee House and Roasters. The Electric Brew has three locations in northern Indiana (Goshen, Elkhart, and Ivy Tech Elkhart).  Since its founding in 1996, the Electric Brew has been where friends gather. To learn more, visit theelectricbrew.com

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