Bridge the City

A conversational, full-length interview with Taralinda Willis, CEO & Co-Founder, and Riley Steinbrenner, Marketing and Business Development Executive, of Curate. Curate is a Madison based startup that helps organizations utilize civic intelligence from local communities to reduce risk and find opportunities. We discuss the importance of local government, how important the information on the me...

A conversational, full-length interview with Leia Ferrari and Erik Kennedy, two leaders in Milwaukee growing sobriety movement. We talk with Leia and Erik about their journeys to sobriety, challenges with staying sober in one of the drunkest cities in the country, Leia and Erik’s action steps: 1. Identify your support system. Find a community you can lean on when trying to make changes to your lif...

A conversational, full-length interview with Tom Paprocki, Managing Director at Direct Supply. We talk about local tech, innovation, and giving back to the Milwaukee community. Tom’s action steps: 1. Get connected with other folks in your field. Big social problems are solved through teamwork. When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook , Tw...

A conversational, full-length interview with Aycha Sawa, who’s running for Milwaukee City Comptroller. We talk about what a Comptroller does, what intangibles are important to look for in a comptroller, and the relationship between the Comptroller’s office and the Common Council. NOTE: election specials are not endorsements of the candidates highlighted, and this episode is not an endorsement of A...

Host Ben Rangel sits down with Judge Jill Karofsky, Dane County Circuit Judge and candidate for State Supreme Court. We talk about the upcoming State Supreme Court election and why she thinks her background as an advocate for victims of crimes and as a prosecutor makes her the most qualified candidate in the race. To learn more, visit: Myvote Jill Karofsky Judge Karofsky’s action steps include: Vo...

A conversational, full-length interview with Chris Larson, who’s running for Milwaukee County Executive. We talk about what a County Executive does, how Chris got interested in politics, as well as his running prowess. NOTE: election specials are not endorsements of the candidates highlighted, and this episode is not an endorsement of Chris Larson as a candidate for Milwaukee County Executive. Mil...

A conversational, full-length interview with Nicole Acosta, Alea McHatten, and Megan McGee of Ex Fabula. Ex Fabula is a storytelling organization that holds space for true, personal storytelling to help connect Milwaukee, as well as coaching storytellers who want to hone their craft. We talk about the power of storytelling, Ex Fabula’s role in Milwaukee, and their upcoming storytelling Spectacular...

Host Benjamin Rangel and guest host Richard Esparza sit down with Marquette Law Professor and candidate for State Supreme Court Ed Fallone. We talk about why he wants to represent Wisconsinites on the highest court in the state, why asking about one’s judicial philosophy is the wrong question, and what differentiates him from the other candidates, Jill Korofsky and incumbent Daniel Kelly . To lear...

We sit down with Representative David Crowley, candidate for Milwaukee County Executive and current State Assemblyperson for the 17th district. We talk about Crowley’s Milwaukee roots, his vision as County Executive, and early childhood education’s indirect benefits. NOTE: election specials are not endorsements of the candidates highlighted, and this episode is not an endorsement of David Crowley...

A full length, conversational interview with Peter Burgelis, candidate for 11th district alderman. We talk about what’s unique about the 11th district, why potholes and public safety are his top priority, and his journey from owning a restaurant to running for alderman. If you live in Wisconsin, you have have elections coming up on February 18th and April 7th. If you are unsure of what’s on your b...

A conversational, full-length interview with Hilary Braseth, director of product at Voatz. We discuss how Voatz is transforming the way we engage in and with elections, challenging powerful systems and actors, and why it’s important to engage in dialogue with those who have different opinions. Visit: Voatz.com.

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with members of The New State to discuss how a former concert venue that hosted acts like AC/DC and Tom Petty will again transform the music scene in Milwaukee. In addition, we talk about how the New State will bring economic and creative development to young people throughout Milwaukee. Guests include John Hennessy, Andrew Parker, Dima Pochatrev, WebsterX, and Nile...

A conversational, full-length interview with Shalina Ali, co-Executive Director of TRUE Skool, co-creator of CirculateMKE, and creator of the Art of Coping curriculum. We talk about how she has grown into the bad-ass she is today, the origins and purpose of TRUE Skool, and the importance of buying local. Action steps: Support local vendors by doing your Black Friday shopping with CirculateMKE at t...

We sit down with Alex Brower, a candidate for City Comptroller, to talk about how he got his political start, his vision for the office, and why he thinks it’s important for everyday Milwaukeeans to get involved in this race. Please visit http://voteforalexbrower.org/ for more information on the candidate and MyVote. Wi. Gov to ensure you are registered to vote.

A full length, conversational interview with John Gurda. John Gurda is a local historian and author of over twenty books, including The Making of Milwaukee. The Making of Milwaukee was adapted to an Emmy Award-winning series on Milwaukee PBS. John sits down with hosts Ben Rangel and Sam Woods to talk everything from his favorite spots in Milwaukee to what he thinks is one of Milwaukee’s biggest ch...

A full length, conversational interview with Alexa Alfaro, co-owner of Meat on the Street and recent winner of the “Risk-Taker” Jackens Award. We talk with Alexa about how she got started with Meat on the Street, how she manages risk, and how a simple “yes” can give you the push you need. Episode action steps: Just say yes. Say yes to everything.

We sit down with Matt Cordio, founder of Skills Pipeline, Startup Milwaukee, and many other organizations centered around the start up and tech ecosystem here in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin. Learn about Start Up Week, action steps for new entrepreneurs, growing the tech and start up ecosystem, focus on diversity and inclusion, and all the great events coming up during Start Up Week. Please chec...

February 18th, 2020 is a primary election day for Milwaukee, that includes primary elections for Mayor and Alderman. We sit down with Christian Saldivar, a candidate for the 8th Aldermanic district to talk about what’s in the 8th district and what his platform contains. The other candidates running for the same seat are Angel Sanchez, Eduardo Loera, Jocasta Zamarippa, Justin Bielinski, and Ryan An...

We sit down to discuss Asian American Pacific Islander representation and visibility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the U.S. with ElevAsian co-founder Erik Kennedy of Aurora Healthcare and member Alexa Alfaro of Meat on the Street. Follow their journey and contribute your own stories using #ElevAsian on various social media platforms. Enjoy!

We discuss Menonomee Valley Partner’s 20th anniversary as well as the revitalization of the Valley over the past decades with Corey Zetts, Executive Director of MVP, Sheri Schmit, SE Region Deputy Director for WisDOT, Melissa Cook, Hank Aaron State Trail Manager, and Catherine Stagmer, Manager of Global Social Responsibility for Komatsu. Producers: Benjamin Rangel & Kyle Hagge. Website: bridge...

We sit down and discuss all things Rev-Up MKE with event organizer and co-creator Kelsey Otero and past winners of the pitch competition: Lisa Kaye Catering, Pete's Pops, and Triciclo Peru. Rev-Up MKE is a pitch competition in the Near West Side that is focused on community development, economic growth, and inclusivity. The next Rev-Up MKE is September 24th at The Rave. You can RSVP here: https://...

A conversational, full-length interview with Dr. Sheri Johnson and Dr. Steve Dykstra, two psychologists affiliated with Milwaukee County. Dr. Johnson is the Director of UW-Madison’s Population Health Institute and member of the Milwaukee County Health Board, and Dr. Dykstra is the Director of Milwaukee County’s Children’s Mobile Crisis team. We talk about mental health services available within Mi...

A conversational, full-length interview with Anita Mogaka, Founder and Community Narrator at the B.E.E. Narrative and all-around Milwaukee star. The B.E.E. Narrative’s mission is to shine a light on the positive stories of Black Milwaukee's people, places, and experiences. Anita talks with us about her unique approach to storytelling, the importance of narratives and creation, and how to learn fro...

A conversational, full length interview with Christopher Walton, Chair of the Milwaukee County Democratic Party. We discuss Chris’ upbringing in Milwaukee, how at 9 years old he declared he would be President, how college transformed how he viewed the world, life on the campaign trail, and what his political future may hold. He also explains how almost all local issues tie back to politics in some...

On this episode, we explore the Newaukee Night Market and what it means for Milwaukee. “A collision of everything Milwaukee” is how Rita DeMerit, Director of Events for NEWaukee, describes it. she also explains the history of how the Night Market has grown throughout time & how it has played a major role in the reactivation of Downtown. We also hear from a few Night Market vendors: Meat on the...