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.
Episodes
13 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...
Talkin’ ’Bout My St. Louis Park Generations Gen X vs Gen Z Music Swap
From their “park bench perspective,” Carlos and Mike (“Hammer”) welcome Mike’s Gen Z daughter, Georgia, to discuss generations and music. They joke about Gen X vs. baby boomers, naming conventions like Gen Alpha/Beta, and how streaming and Blue...
Rockin' the SLP Part 2
Rockin' the SLP Park 2Carlos Figueroa and co-host Mike Hammer chat on Park Bench Perspectives about how music and pets mark life’s timeline while reminiscing about growing up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. They joke about their limited m...
St Louis Park Plays That Funky Music - Part 1
Park Bench Perspective: First Albums, Concert Memories, and Music DiscoveryCarlos Figueroa and Mike Hammer discuss music from their “park bench” perspective while joking about Carlos’s recent knee surgery and lack of musical talent. The...
Baseball, Hot Dogs, and Juggs
On this episode of Park Bench Perspectives, Mike Hammer and Carlos kick off spring by talking baseball—how T-ball and Little League shaped their Minnesota childhoods, expanded their friendships and rivalries, and later became a bond through the...
Growing Up in a Smaller World in St Louis Park
Park Bench Perspectives: Growing Up in a Smaller WorldFirst off Mike Hammer and Carlos Figueroa really appreciate all the great feedback. We recorded this episode before receiving comments but rest assured SLP Food Part 2 is on the...
Restaurants, Robberies, and Pig Roasts
Fan Feedback, St. Louis Park Food Memories, and Pig Roast StoriesMike Hammer and Carlos Figueroa open the episode by reading early listener feedback, including a Minneapolis commenter questioning whether Hammer is the real 1984 graduate...
Stirrups, Smorgasbords, and St. Louis Park
In this episodeMinnesota March weather and the false promise of springWhy baseball and spring were inseparable growing upMeeting before kindergarten at Elliott ElementaryLittle League, Cu...
Welcome to Park Bench Perspectives
Welcome to Park Bench Perspective: Old Friends, St. Louis Park, and Making Sense of the WorldCarlos Figueroa and Mike Hammer introduce their show, “Park Bench Perspective,” describing it as a thoughtful conversation between two lifelong ...
