Eau Claire Hometown Media

What does it take to lead a police department and serve agrowing community.  Eau Claire Chief of Police Matt Rokus joins Brit and Susie to talk about public safety, communitypartnerships, leadership and the evolving role of policing.  He started in animal control before rising up the ranks over the course of a nearly 30 year career with the Eau Claire PoliceDepartment.  How do social issues includ...

Will Wall of the band FM DOWN joins and the guys hit it off from the jump. Hear about writing and performing music during covid, Dealing with the loss of friends and bandmates from mental health and struggles with his own health. The guys get into the differences of cover and original bands and AI music. Check out SHOVELHEAD at Drywood tavern in Cadott June 6th and check out FM Down on all streami...

This week’s episode of Banker with a Beer features Mike Farrow and guest Joe Ryder from Rand’s Trucking. They talk about life, the essential essence of trucking, and a possible Northwestern Bank and Rands Trucking joint company bonding in the future. Check out more information at HOME | Rands Trucking . #trucking #hauling #commercialtransport #wisconsinbusiness #eauclaire #beer #wisconsinpodcast

The President is coming to town this week and Scott explains why its a time to cherish regardless of your feelings for the man in office...why the visit shines a spotlight on a combative Chippewa County Sheriff's Race...the push by one area government to increase revenue...and could the area be losing its hockey team?

Habitat for Humanity recently announced the appointment ofPhil Swiler as the organization’s new local executive director. Phil has been intertwined in the community for a couple of decades, serving in a variety of sales, marketing and volunteering roles. Now he is embarking on a new chapter taking over the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. -           The role his community-minded parents pla...

Dave Solberg is officially new Eau Claire City Manager to the enjoyment of many...why his selection is a reminder that things overall are good here...why a special event at the Pablo Center is another highlight for our region. #eauclaire #localpodcast #chippewavalley #localevents #currentevents #podcastrecommendations

The Wilson Place Museum celebrates a major milestone thisyear, reaching 50 years. Stephanie Perry shares the rich history behind this beloved community staple the impact its had and the people who have shaped its legacy. She gives us a brief auditory tour of this building and other iconiclandmarks.  And what’s in store with a special 50th anniversary celebration weekend this June. We also learn ab...

This week Dan from MarcOn Shooting starts by explaining the pledge of allegiance. He talks about what it is to be a role model for a younger generation, how the school system can stifle the potential children can have and school staff not always being the best role models for students. He goes on to talk about the lessons he’s learned from becoming a role model to a younger friend, especially eval...

Pillar’s resident agricultureguy, Mike DeLong is on to celebrate June being Dairy Month. It’s a commemoration that was established in 1937. 35% of Pillar’s customers are in the ag sector. Mike gives us a rundown of the various events going on in the region, including the various dairy breakfast. #dairymonth #agpodcast #wisconsindairy #milkproducers #agbusiness #wisconsinfarmers

With so many opinions about how much you should save or when you should retire, it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing enough. In this donut hole, the Money Donuts® crew discusses why financial timelines look different for everyone and how calculators, goal setting, and expert advice can help you understand where you really stand.

Presented by Fries Financial With four major music events, and a host of other activity,Chippewa Valley Music Festivals has long been one of the stalwarts in the area’s entertainment scene.  Wade Asherjoins us to give a glimpse at what’s ahead in 2026 for Hoofbeat, Rock Fest and Force Fields.  The unique position their festivals are in that allows them to draw audiences from hundreds of miles away...

Thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, strangers at the door-life can be scary for our four-legged friends sometimes.  Heather talks about how to help your dog navigate fearful moments with patience, understanding and practical strategies. Why do dogs get scared? How do we recognize signs of stress in our dog? What are ways to ease anxiety and build confidence in particular scenarios. #dogpodcast#d...

Its the Chippewa Valley's Game Show! Hosted by The Phoenix Taproom and Kitchen, listen to this month's episode to see which of our celebrity guests comes out on top Keenan Crawford (Poquette, Donnellan & Schlewitz) vs. Dan Hunt (Union Bateaux Soccer Club) #eauclairepodcast #gameshow #comedypodcast #downtowneauclaire #liveentertainment #podcastrecommendations

The benefit to both employee and employer when it comes towellness programs in the workplace is a strong one.  With that in mind, Dr. David Usher takes a dive into how some of these programs may need to be adjusted to ensure its notsimply performative but an actual positive gain for all sides.

We reach the season finale of EduCast with the annual episode highlighting two of this year's Valedictorians at Altoona. Heidi introduces us to Gabby Schilling and Braylin Siverling who share insight in their scholastic careers both in and out of the classroom and with both academics and other activities. What are some of their earliest school memories and the education professionals who stood...

The Feed My People organization is nothing without theeffort and passion of its volunteers. This year’s Volunteer of the Year, Becky Wood and we learn about her on this latest episode. She serves as a community engagement lead and one of the organizers for the  Empty Bowls fundraiser.  What drew her to volunteering with Feed My People initially in 2024. She gives her pitch why you should give back...

Since starting in 2002 as a pamphlet promoting live entertainment in the area, VolumeOne has grown into multi-pronged entity sharing stories and creating content in the area. Managing Editor McKenna Scherer and Media Strategy Director Jake Smith discuss storytelling, community connection and what goes into highlighting the people events and businesses that make our area unique. In the process, wha...

The season finale of the Sports Watch has Scott giving some musings on the start of a new Eau Claire Express season, reprimands a local beer-league football team that took an unnecessary shot and goes UP AND IN at local travel ball culture (and why its ultimately killing spectator sports). #eauclairewi #localpodcast #eauclaireexpress #northwoodsleague #travelball #kidssports

A staple of Chippewa Falls for years was the “old Root BeerStand” and that site has received rejuvenated life the last couple of years thanks to Ana and Rob Fish.  They joinScott and Mike to discuss “Dave’s Drive In” while enjoying some tasty beverages. They are readying for their second year in operation after having a “soft opening” in year #1. What possessed them to purchase a site that had bee...

If money has ever made you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In this donut hole, the hosts discuss why financial situations can feel emotional and how reaching out for guidance and taking small steps can help you feel more in control. #moneyadvice #mycredit #creditscore #eauclaire #financialadvice #wisconsinmoney #podcast #eauclairepodcast

Society has a fascination with extreme crime and that draw is a reason why the Pablo Center recently SOLD OUTa unique event.  Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bohn, was an opportunity for hundreds to digest the lessons from  a criminologist. Dr. Bohn studies serial killers, gaining insight not only into the reasons why they committed these crimes but also how the media came to portray them as celebri...

The brand of a business is intricate to their overallsuccess, and that is the expertise of Beth Meierstein. She is a 26 year veteran at FirstNet Impressions, helping to create logos, websites and overall “looks” for companies of all sizes in the Chippewa Valley.   What comes first, the logo or the brand?  What are things owners need to think about asthey begin to create a brand?  How does someone...

The cost, and honestly the value, of healthcare has been problematic for many.  Dr. Karley Scoles is the owner at FortisDirect Primary Care in the Chippewa Valley and she comes on this episode to discuss her direct-pay practice.  Sheexplains what direct-pay medical care is, why she left the traditional healthcare model and the benefits both patients AND providers are finding with the increase in p...

The spotlight shines on the incredible impact of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, with director Jill Herriges and board member Craig Toycen stoppingby. The organization is celebrating its 25th year of existence. From supporting meaningful projects to connecting donors with causes that matter, they are a driving force for positive change in Chippewa. We learn how they differ from a typi...

Step into the vibrant world of regional visual art in this episode as we get a preview of the Arrivals andDepartures juried art show coming to the Heyde Center this summer.  Chairperson Lindamerry Udell shares how thisshow works, with submissions “juried” before being selected and ultimately judged at the end. She explains why the risk of rejection shouldn’t scare off artists as amateurs and pros...