Park Bench Perspectives
Park Bench Perspectives is a conversation-driven podcast about making sense of the world without pretending to have all the answers. Hosted by Carlos Figueroa and Michael Hammer, two childhood friends who grew up in St Louis Park, MN =.
Each episode feels like sitting down on a park bench—no scripts, no hot takes for the sake of it—just thoughtful discussion, honest questions, and a willingness to challenge assumptions.
It’s not about being right. It’s about thinking better.
Park Bench Perspectives
Latest Episodes
Park Bench Perspecties - Hazardous to Your Health: Concert Mishaps and Survival
Surviving Rock ’n’ Roll: Concert Mishaps, Heat, and Close CallsCarlos Figueroa and Mike Hammer trade “park bench perspective” banter before sharing stories about concerts being hazardous. They recall a late-’90s Bob Dylan/Paul Simon sho...
Park Bench Perspecrives - Episode 18 - Aquila Park Fourth of July Memories, Fireworks, and Dog Stories from the Bench
Fourth of July Memories, Fireworks, and Dog Stories from the BenchMike Hammer and Carlos Figueroa reunite on the “park bench” to talk about Fourth of July plans, memories of the 1976 bicentennial mural at Elliott Elementary, and how fir...
Father’s Day Reflections and Baseball Chatter: From Park Bench Perspectives to Square Box Baseball
Mike and Carlos Figueroa talk on Father’s Day from their “park bench” perspective, reflecting on Carlos’s late father and how youth baseball has changed from inexpensive local leagues to costly, professionalized travel ball. They reminisce abou...
Park Bench Perspectives - Beek's Pizza, Babe Ruth Baseball, and The White Shadow
Park Bench Perspectives - Episode 16: Beek's Pizza, Babe Ruth Baseball, and The White ShadowEpisode Summary: In this episode of Park Bench Perspectives, hosts Carlos Figueroa and Mike Hammer welcome a very special ...
Park Bench Perspectives - The Older Sister Perspective: Tom Petty, Twins, and a Broken Tibia
In this episode of Park Bench Perspectives, hosts Mike and Carlos welcome a special guest to the bench: Mike’s older sister, Michelle. Bringing her "older sister female perspective" to the show, Michelle joins the conversation while re...
Fan Mail
Hi guys! Pat Noren Enderson Class of 87 You completely forgot about us Southsideers. I was going to Park Knoll after Brookside closed when I was in k then 1-3 in PK and sent to Ethel Baston with Miss Towey. I grew up across the street from Justad Park.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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