Milwaukee, WI
How two Milwaukee friends took the Crash Dummies podcast from zero listeners to millions
MILWAUKEE — In the past few years, podcasts have become incredibly popular. Like really popular. You’ve probably even heard someone say, “Oh yea, I would have such a great podcast” or “Yea, me and my friends would have the best show”. Although, they never actually do it. Except for two friends from Milwaukee. They started a podcast about three years ago and now reach millions of people.
Introducing the Crash Dummies Podcast. It’s hosted by longtime friends Michael Esiobu and Patrick Johnson. They talk about current events and random topics. In three years, they have filmed 172 episodes and have gained more than 2 million followers across Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
“There was a point where we were talking to no one, and now we’re talking to millions of people,” Michael Esiobu said.
James Groh
The two film inside a Milwaukee studio. As far as podcast setups go, it’s not fancy. And that probably helps their case. The Crash Dummies Podcast is all about being authentic, genuine, and impromptu. It’s not overly produced and that’s the point.
“I think about 99% of the time I don’t know what his topics are and that’s what we like. I’ll hide something from him. He’ll hide something from me, and then he’ll like in the spur of the moment he’ll be like I’ve got a question for you,” Patrick Johnson said.
They are just two friends cracking jokes, taking viewer calls, and not taking things too seriously.
“If you watch us with a guest, I guarantee you leave that podcast knowing little about that guest’s personal life,” Johnson said.
Watch to see what makes the Crash Dummies Podcast so special…
The Milwaukee friends behind the Crash Dummies podcast
That’s why so many watch and listen every week. They mess around. They invite viewers to call and they roast them. They pick a few topics and dive into them whether they know a lot about them or not. In fact, they prefer not to do a whole bunch of research first.
“I think sometimes it’s more fun for us when we don’t actually Google everything, and we’re just going off the top of our head,” Esiobu said.
As the show continues to grow, they want to have more guests. Also, Johnson and Esiobu want to take the podcast on the road and host live shows.
Viewer calls are a big part of the show. Every episode features a few different calls from fans. They believe in-person interaction would be even more entertaining.
“We don’t really make hard-cuts edits on our YouTube. We just let (the show) flow, and people still enjoy that. So I know that if they enjoy that through a screen, it will be 10 times better live,” Johnson said.
It’s that unpredictability and humor that’s caused millions to tune in and will hopefully help them sell out theaters nationwide.
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MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on early Sunday morning on the 4900 block of W. Capitol Drive that left one person injured.
An 18-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
TMJ4
The police is currently looking for an unknown suspect at this time.
Those with information regarding the shooting are encouraged to contact the Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips to remain anonymous.
Let’s talk:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Police Department requested the public’s help to find 11-year-old Sir’Charles Bason, a critically missing boy who was last seen near Teutonia and Kiley at around 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.
Police described Bason as 4 feet, 5 inches tall with a slim build, brown eyes and black, low-cut hair. He was last seen wearing a gray jacket with green lines, dark-colored jeans, tan sandals and carrying gray Nike Jordan shoes.
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What you can do:
Anyone with information on Bason’s whereabouts is asked to call Milwaukee Police District 4 at 414-935-7242.
The Source: The Milwaukee Police Department released information.
MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee man, previously named one of Wisconsin’s Most Wanted, has been sentenced to prison for shooting and killing his cousin in 2020.
In court
What we know:
A Milwaukee County jury found 39-year-old Brandon Gladney guilty of first-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firm by a felon earlier this year.
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Judge Michelle Havas sentenced Gladney to 29 years in prison on Friday, April 17. He was granted credit for more than a year’s time served and further sentenced to 14 years of extended supervision.
Arrested in Arizona after years on the run, court records show Gladney has also been ordered to pay the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office more than $1,800 for extradition costs.
Homicide investigation
The backstory:
The shooting happened in May 2020. Investigators said Gladney was captured on video apparently arguing with the victim, his cousin, outside a Milwaukee convenience store near 21st and Meinecke.
“It’s all on video, and it’s devastating for that family,” the marshal on the case told FOX6 when Gladney was profiled on Wisconsin’s Most Wanted. “You have a family member that shot and killed another family member.”
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Prosecutors said Gladney walked away but then returned with a gun pointed directly at the victim and shot him. The victim died from his gunshot wounds at a nearby hospital. Multiple bullet casings were found at the scene.
Gladney went on the run for years. He was arrested in Arizona in January 2023, years after he was charged.
The Source: FOX6 News referenced information from the U.S. Marshals Service, Wisconsin Circuit Court and prior coverage.
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