Park Bench Perspectives
Carlos Figueroa & Michael Hammer
Publishing Details
About This Podcast
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.
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Recent Episodes
S1E15 Park Bench Perspectives - The Older Sister Perspective: Tom Petty, Twins, and a Broken Tibia
Send Comments and FeedbackIn 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…
S1E14 Memorial Day Bench Talk: Dad Jokes, Raccoons in the Attic, Fireworks, and Barter
Send Comments and FeedbackMemorial Day Bench Talk: Dad Jokes, Raccoons in the Attic, Fireworks, and BarterOn a Memorial Day in Minnesota, Carlos and Mike Hammer record “Park Bench Perspectives,”…
S1E13 First Jobs and St. Louis Park Rituals
Send Comments and FeedbackFrom 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…
S1E12 We Remember Summers in St. Louis Park
Send Comments and FeedbackSt. 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.…
S1E11 Mother’s Day Park Bench Perspective: Remembering Judy and Maria
Send Comments and FeedbackOn 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…
S1E10 The St Louis Park Experience: Posters, Postcards, and Parents
Send Comments and FeedbackPosters, Pop Cans, and Park Bench PerspectivesMike Hammer and Carlos Figueroa reminisce on a “park bench” about teen bedroom posters (Farrah Fawcett, Led Zeppelin,…
S1E9 Tapping the Keg at the St. Louis Park Train Trestle
Send Comments and FeedbackLady 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…
S1E8 Talkin’ ’Bout My St. Louis Park Generations Gen X vs Gen Z Music Swap
Send Comments and FeedbackFrom 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…
S1E7 Rockin' the SLP Part 2
Send Comments and FeedbackRockin' 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…
S1E6 St Louis Park Plays That Funky Music - Part 1
Send Comments and FeedbackPark Bench Perspective: First Albums, Concert Memories, and Music DiscoveryCarlos Figueroa and Mike Hammer discuss music from their “park bench” perspective while joking…
S1E5 Baseball, Hot Dogs, and Juggs
Send Comments and FeedbackOn 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,…
S1E3 Growing Up in a Smaller World in St Louis Park
Send Comments and FeedbackPark 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…
S1E4 Restaurants, Robberies, and Pig Roasts
Send Comments and FeedbackFan 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…
S1E2 Stirrups, Smorgasbords, and St. Louis Park
Send Comments and FeedbackIn this episodeMinnesota March weather and the false promise of springWhy baseball and spring were inseparable growing upMeeting before kindergarten at Elliott…
S1E1 Welcome to Park Bench Perspectives
Send Comments and FeedbackWelcome 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,”…
Frequently Asked Questions
Park Bench Perspectives has published 15 episodes since March 2026, covering topics in Comedy, Music.
Park Bench Perspectives is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 30m.
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