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Welcome to ’Excelsior!,’ the captivating podcast hosted by Britleigh Cocozzello. In each episode, Britleigh delves into the vibrant world of Twin Cities artists and entrepreneurs, unraveling their unique stories. Join her as she introduces you to the individuals shaping the artistic and business landscape of the Twin Cities. Discover the faces behind the creativity, be inspired by their journeys to success, gain insights into the challenges they overcome, and get a glimpse of the dedicated community that fuels Minnesota’s spirit. ’Excelsior!’ is your gateway to connecting with the heart and soul of the thriving Minnesota community.
Episodes
4 hours ago
4 hours ago
In this episode of Excelsior!, I sit down with the incredibly talented and up-and-coming singer-songwriter Mona Penny. Mona is currently pursuing her music career and is also a dedicated K-pop dancer. We talk about who she is as an artist, how she got started in music and dance, and what it means to follow your creative path and dreams.
This episode is extra special to me because Mona is my stepdaughter. Her little brother Wilhelm was hanging out with us while we recorded, which made it feel really casual and fun. We chat about art, creativity, and what it’s like growing up as an artist.
We also created a large conceptual photoshoot together—so keep an eye on my Patreon to check out the images and behind-the-scenes from that shoot.
Follow Mona Penny
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Monday Feb 23, 2026
The Baby is ASLEEP” and for the first time ever, my husband Jerred is on the podcast 🎙️
This episode is basically me getting to talk all about him — what he does for work, what he’s been building lately, funny stories, life updates, and just who he is as a person.
It’s light, it’s fun, and it’s just us hanging out and letting you get to know him a little more.
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
This episode is a little different — I did a quick check-in call with a handful of past Excelsior! Podcast guests to see what they’ve been up to lately and what they’re working on heading into 2026.
We talk about what’s inspiring them right now, what they’re creating, and the exciting things on the horizon in their lives and businesses. I wish I could’ve checked in with even more people, but here are a few amazing guests I got to catch up with!
Featuring: Cassidy Anderson, Haley Stampp, Paulie Skaja, Josh Berini, Kara Roepke, Andrew Lentz, David LeDuc, and Nik Linde.
Saturday Jan 10, 2026
Saturday Jan 10, 2026
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lonesome Dan in my studio for a truly special conversation. A calm, sweet soul, Dan shares his journey as a talented guitarist who has the rare gift of reinterpreting piano music on guitar while also composing his own songs.
Joining us was my husband, Jerred—a longtime fan of Dan’s music—and our 7-month-old son, Wilhelm, making for a warm, personal, and family-filled session. Dan talks about his love for playing music, his creative process, and what drives him to bring new life to both old classics and his original compositions.
True to his nature, Dan even played a few songs for us in the studio, because, as he says, he likes to play more than anything. His story, his music, and his gentle presence left us feeling inspired, and it’s clear why so many in Minneapolis are drawn to his talent.
Tune in to hear Lonesome Dan’s journey, his music, and a heartfelt look into the life of one of our city’s most cherished musicians.
www.excelsiorp.com
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
In this episode, I sit down with one of my local idols and one of the most talented singers I know — the incredible Jelly from the locally legendary band The Jelly Project. Having her in my studio was such an honor, and to make it even sweeter, our sons joined us for the conversation!
We dive into the rise of The Jelly Project, their impact on the local music scene, why they eventually went their separate ways, and the exciting news that they’re talking about getting back together to create new music and projects 🎶✨
And of course, we had to try and get ahold of her biggest fan, Sam McCall. After a few attempts… we finally reached her! 😂 You can hear the full 30-minute bonus conversation with Sam exclusively on my Patreon.
This episode is heartfelt, hilarious, nostalgic, and full of music magic. Tune in — you’re going to love this one.
Excelsior! Podcast | Creating Podcasts and sharing stories of the Twin Cities | Patreon
Saturday Nov 01, 2025
Saturday Nov 01, 2025
This week, I sit down with personal trainer Walter Foster-Bolton to talk about his unbelievable journey over the past year. After discovering he had a rare heart condition that nearly took his life, Walter was told he could never lift weights again — a devastating blow for someone whose life revolved around fitness.
But Walter’s story didn’t end there. Through a series of wild twists and an unshakable spirit, he not only survived but found his way back into the gym, training others and embracing a deeper understanding of what it truly means to care for your body.
This episode is a reminder of resilience, the power of listening to your body, and the gift of being alive.
Excelsior! Podcast | Creating Podcasts and sharing stories of the Twin Cities | Patreon
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
This episode’s a little different — it’s a walk-and-talk with Sxulz (Elliott), a young local rapper who’s bringing fresh energy to the scene. We recorded this on the way to his photo shoot for some new promo shots, and the conversation just flowed.
Elliott talks about what the music scenes like right now, why he loves creating, and how things have changed since he first started. It’s real, unfiltered, and a perfect look into the mind of a rising artist.
Excelsior! Podcast | Creating Podcasts and sharing stories of the Twin Cities | Patreon
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
This episode is a little different than usual. Back in August, I had the honor of photographing George’s 70th birthday celebration — a day filled with laughter, stories, and so much love from the people who knew him best. During the party, I decided to record a few of those memories, not knowing just how special they would become.
George has since passed, and this episode is shared as a celebration of his life. You’ll hear the voices of his friends and loved ones sharing heartfelt stories, laughter, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
Thank you to everyone who allowed me to capture and share these moments. May this episode serve as a keepsake of George’s legacy and the love that surrounded him.
📸 You can find the photos from George’s birthday at britleighp.com.
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Ever wonder what hypnosis really is? Spoiler alert: it’s not about clucking like a chicken! In this episode, Britleigh chats with certified hypnotherapist Joshua Peters about how hypnosis actually works and how it can help you break bad habits, calm anxiety, and tap into your most powerful self. It’s all about rewiring the mind in the coolest way possible. Tune in for a mix of science, stories, and a few surprising “aha” moments!
Find him at Home - Minnesota Hypnotherapy
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
This one’s a little different from my usual Excelsior! episodes. It’s a throwback to when I was pregnant — and so was my friend, Dani Lo! We decided to hit record and just chat about what it’s really like being first-time “geriatric” moms-to-be (yes, that’s the term they use, and yes, we laugh about it a lot).
It’s raw, funny, and very real — two friends talking about pregnancy brain, cravings, body changes, and all the weird, wonderful emotions that come with growing tiny humans.
And the wild twist? We ended up having our baby boys on the same day! 💙