The Upswing

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman and Martin Moore of Koss dive into the fast-moving world of tech, culture, and consumer trends. From Apple’s evolving AI strategy and the future of Siri to OpenAI shutting down Sora, they break down what’s next in artificial intelligence — and what’s already changing. The conversation also explores everything from phone-free dining and stadium beer pri...

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Steve “Saz” Sazama, founder of Saz’s, as the Milwaukee staple celebrates its 50th anniversary. Saz reflects on opening day in 1976, the relationships that helped build the business, and how a neighborhood bar grew into a beloved institution. He shares the stories behind iconic menu items like Mozzarella Marinara, memorable moments from State F...

This month on Marquette on the Move on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun and Tim Rabolt, manager of recovery at the university. The conversation addresses recent vandalism at the Church of the Gesu and how the campus community is responding, along with reflections on Marquette men’s basketball and continued student engagement. They also highl...

As Milwaukee prepares for the 58th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, The Upswing host WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman sits down with two guests helping bring the celebration — and its economic impact — to life. Stacie Callies, executive director of the Westown Association, discusses how the parade continues to thrive through corporate partnerships, downtown collaboration, and the growing momentum around Milwau...

Change can be hard — but it can also open the door to new opportunities. This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman talks with Tina Quealy, CEO of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, about plans to find a new home for the beloved Milwaukee institution. She explains why expanded classrooms and outdoor space are part of the vision, what the multi-year relocation process could look like, and why ac...

Jeff Sherman likes to say that in greater Milwaukee, “seven degrees of separation” feels more like 1.5 — and this episode proves it. Jeff brings together James Shiparski of Hot Spell Sauna and Moshe Katz of Yellow Wood and Atid Properties for a conversation about health, wellness, retail, real estate, and community — only to discover the two guests already knew each other from regular sauna sessio...

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun and Judge Derek Mosley, director of Marquette Law School’s Lubar Center, for another edition of Marquette on the Move. In recognition of Black History Month, Judge Mosley reflects on 15 years of sharing daily social media posts highlighting lesser-known Black history and how digital platforms shape th...

This week on The Upswing, host Jeff Sherman explores innovation in food access, co-working, and the future of communities. First, Michael Hostad of Fork Farms explains how indoor hydroponic Flex Farms are expanding access to fresh food in schools and communities — and why healthy food access should be a priority in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race. Then, longtime guest Steve Glynn of Experience Mi...

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Martin Moore of Koss to the studio for another edition of The Future of Almost Everything, exploring the latest in technology and innovation. They dive into emerging AI platforms like Moltbook, debate the impact of AI-related Super Bowl commercials, and discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative industries and consumer expectati...

As National Mentorship Month comes to a close, The Upswing host WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Marquette Mentors’ Radtke Director Dan DeWeerdt and Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun for this month’s edition of Marquette on the Move. The conversation reflects on the legacy of Marquette mentor and actor Pat Finn, the importance of presence and connection in mentoring, and the reopening of the...

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman talks with Ryan Laessig, executive director of Milwaukee’s East Side BID #20, about how the neighborhood is evolving while staying true to what makes it special. A Milwaukee native, Laessig shares why he sees the East Side as “a beacon for what Milwaukee stands for,” how investments like bike lanes are improving safety and access, and what it means to...

This weekend on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Arthur Ircink, a Milwaukee-area creative and community leader whose work spans food media, local government, and community-building. Ircink shares behind-the-scenes insight into the Emmy Award-winning Wisconsin Foodie and what it means to spotlight Midwest culinary innovators, including Indigenous chef Sean Sherman. He also discusses Shorew...

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Beth Ridley, CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, for a timely conversation about the evolving workplace and what effective leadership will look like in 2026.

WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman rings in the new year with a special Best of The Upswing, revisiting some of 2025’s most memorable conversations and the biggest storylines shaping greater Milwaukee — while also offering a look ahead to what’s coming in 2026. To open the show, Sherman reflects on a whirlwind year in Milwaukee sports and civic life, from the Brewers’ historic run to continued momentum in downto...

An annual tradition returns to The Upswing as WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomed Rabbi Levi Stein, Father Joseph Simmons, and Marquette University President Dr. Kimo Ah Yun for a thoughtful and uplifting conversation on faith, community, and the holiday season. Each guest reflected on what first inspired their commitment to faith, with Rabbi Stein sharing his work supporting mental health crisis respons...

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman continues gearing up for the holidays with a look at some of 2025’s hottest toys and the growing success of Milwaukee’s holiday markets hosted by local bars and restaurants. Jeff first welcomes back Toy Tips founder Marianne Szymanski, a Marquette University graduate who shares how her toy-recommendation business grew from a hotline to a magazine and b...

This week on The Upswing, host Jeff Sherman explores Milwaukee’s creative and influencer community. Photographer and entrepreneur Eric “Bert Lauderdale” Halverson shares how he built his visual style, developed his “Bert Alerts” weather persona, and even inspired a new collaboration with Broken Bat Brewing. Jeff also welcomes Martin Moore of Koss Headphones to discuss influencer culture, the rise...

On this special holiday weekend edition of The Upswing, host Jeff Sherman takes a look back at some of his favorite recent conversations — but not before diving into the numbers and importance behind Small Business Saturday and why shopping local matters more than ever. Then, Jeff revisits standout moments from Milwaukee-area leaders and experts: Flory Jerez-Villasenor of Northwestern Mutual on fi...

On this episode of The Upswing presented by Horicon Bank, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun and Marilyn Jones, the university’s inaugural director of the Lemonis Center for Student Success. Jones, a first-generation immigrant from Costa Rica and first-generation college student, shares her perspective on building stability and upward mobility for Marquett...

As the holiday season takes off, The Upswing, presented by Horicon Bank, sits down with two guests offering distinct perspectives from the runway to the boardroom. Jet Out’s Matt Wild shares insights into the evolving world of private aviation — where accessibility, flexibility, and efficiency are redefining how business leaders and families travel. Wild also offers universal tips to make flying s...

Jeff Sherman explores Milwaukee’s holiday buzz with Marcus Hotels’ John Wise and Roundy’s dietitian Emilie Williamson — from festive dining trends to smarter grocery shopping this season.

Jeff Sherman spotlights Milwaukee changemakers — Running Rebels’ Victor and Dawn Barnett and Mumbies founder Bradley Will — who are transforming lives for local youth and dogs alike.

Marquette University President Dr. Kimo Ah Yun and Dr. Manal Hamdan, director of Marquette’s predoctoral program in oral and maxillofacial radiology, join Jeff Sherman for a conversation on technology, mentorship, and the future of education. Dr. Hamdan spotlights cutting-edge advances in dental care — including how artificial intelligence is transforming both patient outcomes and the training of...