Eau Claire Hometown Media

Join Zach and Nick as they sit down with Austin Marie and talk about singing competitions weird fate moments. Austin also announces her new band 11:10 must love dogs 13:45 cat distribution program 18:27 social worker week 20:00 austin marie and seany cope 27:27 mom/rockstar 32:20 catching the fire 40:48 upcoming ventures/gigs 43:19 big announcement 50:25 everywhere signs 57:35 outro/dates #newmusi...

Get ready, Chippewa Falls the 2026 CHI-Hi Extravaganza is coming this April 18th to the Fairgrounds.  Booster Club member Chad Hable and event founder/footballcoach Chuck Raykcovich visit to preview this year’s event, the history and why its so beneficial to the student-athletes and the school community as a whole.  Over the course of 25 years, $2.1 million has been raised for the Cardinals athlet...

On this episode, we meet young entrepreneur Rich Bales.  He details his journey into business ownership, and specifically starting his own insurance agency The Avanti Group,based in Iowa. -           Why he says “getting selective fast” with whatyou focus on is advice he wished he knew sooner. -           How platforms like Linkedin helped him grow fast. -           Learning from those that are ou...

With a need that is only growing, Agne’s Table continues to serve individuals and families Chippewa Falls.  ExecutiveDirector Paula Gregory joins us to discuss this nonprofit that is dedicated to addressing food insecurity with compassion and community.  She discusses where funding comes from, thevarious ways people in the community can help and what the biggest challenges are.  We also learn how...

This last January the Western Wisconsin Ag Lenders Conference was held in Eau Claire and its an opportunity for those in agricultural financing to get informed on the latest trends.  Pillar Bank’s Mike DeLong joins us to discussthe latest in technology advancements (including the use of robotics), optimism in dairy markets, how things look in livestock markets and what type of risk tolerance to ex...

Zach and “Top Gun” Nick Farley jump on for a quick bonus episode to talk about their experience at the EDGEWOOD SOCIAL CLUB in Ladysmith to see GUNDO and GREATER THAN HUMAN. Join them for their expedition in Zach’s Expedition

There are many things that power business in our communityfrom ideas to the people, but let’s not forget about the POWER ITSELF.  On this episode, the Chamber’s Scott Rogerstalks with Xcel Energy’s Julie Thoney about how energy infrastructure, reliability and public policy intersect to support economic development. -           The effort to decrease carbon-use -           The process that allows f...

Presented by Fries Financial in Chippewa Falls, WIWe’re diving headfirst (not literally) into the upcoming POLAR PLUNGE benefitting Special Olympics this March in Chippewa Falls.  We talk icy water, brave jumpers, questionable life choices and why this frosty fundraiser makes such a huge impact for incredible athletes and the community.  Joel Wener, longtime Special Olympics volunteer (and 10 time...

Zach brings on bassist Nick Farley and introduces him as the co-host. Join uss they talk about his start, hiatus, and rebirth into the music world.#eauclairemusic #livemusic #localshows #musicpodcast #localsounds #podcastrecommendations

The cost of health care remains a burden for both personaland business finances.  Dr. David Usher brings back A.J. Sherman from SolarteHealth, to dive more into their Amplify program that works with companies to help provide affordable care for their employees.  This is something that some of Dr. Usher’s own patients have benefitted from, and we learn more about what makes this program unique and...

Music education in high school is more than concerts andcompetitions, as it can be the foundation for creativity, confidence and lifelong success.  On this episode,Altoona students Lu Ruff and Conor Matthews discuss their experience participating in music activities.  LuRuff participates in various choirs, including the show and chamber.  Conor Matthews has been a band member, risingto show band l...

Presented by Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce This month we explore HeartWorks, learning what thisorganization is and how they develop innovative therapies using a person’s own cells to strengthen existing heart muscle to grow new muscle.  Dave Minor talks with the founder Tim Nelson, who highlights their mission to end congenital heart diseases. -           Tim takes us through the process -  ...

If you’ve considered opening your home to a furry friend, one way may be through the foster care program offered by the Eau Claire Community Humane Association.  Angie Adolphson from the association joins us to share how the foster program provides not only temporary homes for dogs, but also a pathway for people to adopt the dog.  We learn how the shelter supports your home, while you foster the d...

We do an autopsy on a pair of disappointing Blugolds basketball seasons for the men and women

Known nationally for elite competition and high-energyshowcases, Pylon 7on7 Football has become one of the premier platforms for young athletes to be seen, and now they’re bringing that spotlight to our area and The Sonnentag Center March 14 & 15.  Erica from Pylon 7on7 details what this event is and why Eau Claire was chosen as one of the sites. We also learn… -           What exactly is 7 v...

A familiar member of the community is bringing hertalents to the McDonell community.  Katie Phernetton is the new strategic communications manager following a career local television news.  The Green Bay native (and passionate Packers fan) shares her story of what brought her to EauClaire, to MACS and her own catholic school and catholic faith upbringing. She tells us how she hopes her background...

The boys basketball tournament is right around the cornerand the Railroaders are hopeful for a long run.  Head Coach Paul Heinrichs, and Junior standouts Greysen Becker and Owen Gunderson visit to share insight into the team with the postseason nearing.  How a tough schedule has sharpenedthem for this part of the season and excitement of lots of home games this month.  They also talk about a speci...

Join Zach and Nick "Top Gun” Farley as they talk about upcoming shows and are joined by Taylor Long of Six Figure Sunrise as she joins the fun#localmusic #eauclairepodcast #eauclairepod #chippewavalleymusic #musicpodcast #talkingmusic #makingmusic #joy #passion

In this episode, Kathy Wright sits down with AndrewSalvaterra, Board President of the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, to talk about the vital role the organization plays in nurturing creativity, confident and community among young performers.  He shares the history of the ECCT, now in its 37th season, how it has grown to nearly 20 shows a year and why arts education is so important for youth in the...

He is known nationally, but he’ll always belong to WesternWisconsin and this February Chris Kroeze returns to The Pablo to debut his new music and all-new show.  Chris joinsKathy Wright to discuss his new music premier at The Pablo on Feb. 21st, shares what long time fans will notice and which of the songs is his favorite. We get insight into his songwriting process and he gives usa shocking admis...

Many people pivot their careers and on this episode we meet Amber Steffel who is a real estate agent. Her love for kids created a passion for teaching but after nine years she left that career to spend more time at home with her own children.  We learn how that pause, and her sister who owns Property Shoppe Realty changed the course of her working life.                Discusses how her first deal...

Greg and Rob with the Chippewa Falls Harley-Davidson visitto build excitement for the Great Lakes Hog Rally at the Fairgrounds this June. This will bring Harley-Davidson dealers from all over the Midwest to our area.  Over the course of a weekend, the visitors will take part in dozens of rides around the area seeing the sites and visiting locations. The event was last here in 2024 and was such a s...

How does a company develop a true culture when employees are spread out amongst various locations? 18 months ago,Pillar Bank implemented a program called “Culture wise” as part of the overall initiative of strengthening and getting control of the culture among the seven branches.  CEO Shane Bauer and Director of Compliance Deann Lavalley inform us of what exactly “Culture wise” is and the benefits...

This episode dives into the wild world of dog agency-AKA giving your canine the power to make decisions, voice opinions and run the household more than they already do (in a good way). Heather takes you through the waysyou can give you dog small choices throughout the day that can make a big difference in your relationship.  Fromletting them choose where to walk, to treats to when its just time to...

Adam Bohanan is a Twin Cities based musician and songwriterwhose music draws from soul, jazz, funk and R&B.  He also likes to incorporate, as his bio suggests, nerdy references into his song writing. He and the Adam Bohanan Trio come to the Heyde Center on Saturday March 28th and ahead of thatperformance he sits down with us. We learn about his experience reaching the semi-final stageof NBC’s...