Bridge the City

Host Kacee Ochalek sits down with Malaiya Marvel and Lenda Jo to talk about the mission of the Milwaukee Drag Alliance. We discuss the formation of the Milwaukee Drag Alliance in response to mistreatment by venue owners, what the Alliance’s demands of establishments are, and how negotiations are going. To Learn More, Visit: Malaiya Marvel Lenda Jo Action Steps: Malaiya and Lenda Jo’s action steps...

Hosts Kacee Ochalek and Benjamin Rangel sit down with Elizabeth Ward, James Davies, and Barbara Little to talk about Governor Evers’ recent proposal to expand the I94 East-West Corridor near Miller Park. We discuss the environmental and community impact such an investment would have on our city. To Learn More, Visit: Sierra Club James Davies’ Op-Ed MICAH Action Steps: Elizabeth’s and James’ action...

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Tom Palzewicz, the Democratic nominee for the fifth congressional district. We talk about why he is running for Congress as a Democrat in a heavily Republican district, and what he wants to get done in Congress. To learn more, visit: Tom’s Campaign Website Action Steps: Go to Tom’s campaign website to learn more Get involved in the political process by volunteer...

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Joanna Brooks, founder of Embody Yoga and the Aspiring Black Yoga Teacher's Education Fund. We talk about her path to becoming a yoga teacher and studio owner, how yoga offers more beyond physical exercise, and how she's working to support Black yogis in Milwaukee. To learn more, visit: Embody Yoga Action Steps: Think outside of oneself - engage with your commun...

Hosts Kacee Ohalek and Sam Woods sit down with Paul Mozina. We talk about how Paul holds electeds accountable, navigating bureaucracy at City Hall, and the lasting effects of the War on Drugs. To learn more, visit: Paul’s website The Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail The Buckthorn Man! Paul on Facebook Paul on YouTube Action Steps: Paul’s action steps include: Clarify your principles. Figure out wh...

Hosts Kacee Ohalek and Benjamin Rangel sit down with Lexi Brunson, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of CopyWrite Magazine. We talk about what makes CopyWrite Magazine unique, Lexi’s advice for other entrepreneurs in the city, and a new collective that supports other Black woman entrepreneurs in Milwaukee. To learn more, visit: CopyWrite Magazine Diverse Dining ( Emerald Mills ) BEE Narrative ( Anita Mogaka...

Hosts Kacee Ochalek, Sam Woods, and Ben Rangel sit down to go over what’s on the ballot for the August 11th, Partisan Primary here in Milwaukee. The Bridge the City Team will go over each of the positions, what their responsibilities are, and who are those running for those positions. In addition, we discuss the design of the ballot and what to expect when you show up to the polls on August 11th....

Host Kacee Ochalek sits down with Wendell Willis and Tina Chang with the MPS Foundation’s ConnectMKE Campaign that is looking to raise $1 million to support students’ access to digital resources during COVID-19 and beyond. Then, Kacee chats with Anthony McHenry the CEO of Milwaukee Academy of Science to hear how his school has adapted to virtual learning and what they are doing to bridge the digit...

Hosts Kacee Ochalek and Sam Woods sit down with Kate Riordan, Associate Transportation Planner, City of Milwaukee, Department of Public Works and Liz Brodek, Executive Director of The East Side Business Improvement District and The Downer Avenue Business Improvement District. We talk about the various ways Milwaukeeans are reclaiming public space in the changing face of COVID-19. To learn more, vi...

Host Ben Rangel sits down with Reggie Jackson, Co-Owner of Nurturing Diversity Partners and the Head Griot of America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman for District Nine in Milwaukee, and State Representative LaKeshia Myers, State Representative for Assembly District 12 in Milwaukee and parts of Wauwatosa. We talk about the history of policing, defunding the Milwaukee...

In this episode, Jamaal Smith, Racial Justice and Policy Advocacy expert, speaks to us in his role as Manager at the Office of Violence Prevention, Milwaukee Health Department. We discussed the role of the Office of Violence prevention at the protests and leaned into an eye-opening conversation about expanding the definition of institutionalized violence in Milwaukee. We also discussed racism as a...

Host Sam Woods talks with Alderwoman Chantia Lewis about her proposal to give Milwaukee residents a Universal Basic Income. Lewis was elected to represent the 9th District, the New9th, in 2016. She currently services as Vice-Chair, Public Safety and Health Committee, as well as a member of the Community and Economic Development Committee and Licenses Committee. Alderwoman Lewis’ action steps inclu...

Hosts Kacee Ochalek and Sam Woods sit down with Black Lives Matter activists, Destiny Monae, Darius Smith, and Markasa Tucker. We dive into a topic that has captured the country’s attention yet again: police violence and the movement for Black lives. To learn more, visit: African American Round Table Milwaukee Marches The New Milwaukee (Peaceful protests for change) Darius’ action steps include: G...

On this episode of Bridge the City we sit down with Nick O'Brien to talk about building community and his work as an Engagement Design Consultant. O'Brien has worked all around Wisconsin creating events and experiences that feel serendipitous but really are the outcomes of careful and creative planning. Nick is bringing his work to Milwaukee and we are really excited about it. Nick’s action steps...

Mutual aid is holding Milwaukee together right now through both meeting Milwaukee material needs and keeping local communities together. In this episode, Sam sits down with two Milwaukeeans working with mutual aid collectives, Melody McCurtis from Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, and Alida from Ayuda Mutua. To learn more, visit: Metcalfe Park Community Bridges - Be the Bridge Community Care Packag...

Online communities build bridges, create networks, solve problems and even foster genuine relationships and connections. In this episode, Kacee Ochalek interviews Ruth Weill, 10 year administrator on the Riverwest Neighborhood facebook group; our friend Jeremy Fojut, Chief Idea Officer at Newaukee; and online community expert Darren Gough to talk about ways you can connect in your real neighborhoo...

Hosts Kacee Ochalek and Sam Woods sit down with Meghan Forseth from the Urban Ecology Center. In this episode originally aired live on the radio, we talk about what CSAs are, how they benefit both farmers and consumers, and how residents can get involved with the Urban Ecology Center this summer. To learn more, visit: Urban Ecology Center CSA Guide CSA Farms is Wisconsin Edible Milwaukee CSA Direc...

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Jesus Gonzalez, the co-owner of Zócalo Food Truck Park in Walker’s Point here in Milwaukee. We talk about what inspired Jesus to start Mazorca, the taco truck that is a staple at Zócalo, what challenges he has had starting a business, and how residents can support Zocalo during COVID-19. To learn more, visit: Zócalo , Cashdrop , Ynotme Jesus’ action step include...

Hosts Benjamin Rangel and Kacee Ochalek speak with stakeholders about the current state of cannabis in Wisconsin. They speak with a local marijuana enthusiast, "Dan K.", Executive Director of the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of NORML, Eric Marsch, and State Representative Melissa Sargent. To learn more, visit: The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of NORML , State Representative Sargent’s Website R...

A conversational, full-length interview with Dr. Jeanette Mitchell, leadership consultant and 2018 Ultimate Jacken Award Winner. Dr. Mitchell’s actions steps are: Be willing to examine who you are and what you have to give to your community Be willing to share yourself and whatever gifts there are Run for public office - we need to look at who our leaders, and particularly woman, to step in and ma...

Every 10 years, residents across the country take the Census. But what is it? And why does it matter? We sit down with Matt Dannenburg and Iuscely Flores from Wisconsin Voices to find out. Matt and Iuscely’s action steps are: 1. Complete the Census 2. Get at least 3 of your friends and family to complete the Census. When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #BridgeTheCity or...

A conversational, full-length interview with Marquayla Ellison, Ranell Washington, and Tenia Fisher, the President, Vice-President, and Director of Health and Wellness at Social X MKE respectively. We talk about the importance of social connection and what Social X’s post-COVID-19 plans are. Marquayla, Ranell, and Tenia’s action steps are: 1. Sign up for newsletter at socialxmke.com to stay in tou...

A conversational, full-length interview with Neil Albrecht, executive director at the Milwaukee Election Commission. We go over the entire April 7 and quickly explain what each item is and what they do, so that you can be prepared to vote on or before April 7 NOTE: election specials are not endorsements of the candidates highlighted, and this episode is not an endorsement of any candidates mention...

Hosts Benjamin Rangel and Kacee Ochalek seek out ways to remain active and civically engaged during a time of quarantine, self-isolation, and social distancing. We speak with Angela Harris, a Milwaukee Public School teacher and creator of a local mutual aid network, Angela Lang, Executive Director of Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC) , and Megan O’Halloran, Milwaukee Public School Bo...

A conversational, full-length interview with the Mayor of Wauwatosa, Kathy Ehley. We talk about collaboration across city lines, the many hats she wears across Milwaukee County, and cross-country motorcycle trips. Mayor Ehley’s action steps are: 1. Your local government impacts you every day. So get to know elected officials and exactly how they impact your life. 2. Be curious - always look for mo...