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
First Jobs and St. Louis Park Rituals
From their “Park Bench Perspective,” Carlos and Mike Hammer reminisce about growing up in St. Louis Park and early work experiences, starting with a childhood paper route and frustrations with school fundraisers, including a story about Melissa...
We Remember Summers in St. Louis Park
St. Louis Park Summertime Perspectives (and the “Bare Ass Pool” Story)Carlos Figueroa and Mike Hammer talk on Park Bench Perspectives about May leading into summer in St. Louis Park, recalling elementary track meets (relays, sack races)...
Mother’s Day Park Bench Perspective: Remembering Judy and Maria
On Mother’s Day, hosts Mike Hammer and Carlos Figueroa return to their “park bench perspective,” invite listeners to leave Fan Mail or voicemails on their Buzzsprout page to share St. Louis Park stories, and dedicate a mom-centric episode to th...
The St Louis Park Experience: Posters, Postcards, and Parents
Posters, Pop Cans, and Park Bench PerspectivesMike Hammer and Carlos Figueroa reminisce on a “park bench” about teen bedroom posters (Farrah Fawcett, Led Zeppelin, Lamborghini, Easy Rider), poster-shopping at places like the Fun Shop an...
Tapping the Keg at the St. Louis Park Train Trestle
Lady Gaga, Keg Parties, and Park Bench PerspectivesFrom their park bench, Mike Hammer and Carlos Figueroa catch up about Mike attending a Lady Gaga concert and joking about painkillers for his bad knee, then give a shout-out to cl...
Fan Mail
nice first episode. Can’t wait to hear the real untold stories of SLP. 😆 well done fellas sounds like you are having a great time making this. Joel Boulanger
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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