Deff-initely Milwaukee

Did you know that if you read just 10-15 minutes a day, you can read 10-15 books a year?! A pair of Milwaukee men are making sure access to those books is easier than ever. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with the co-founders of Helium Books, Ian Buchanan and Jacob Carlson. They launched the book delivery system back in 2019. Helium Books brings your favorite titles right to your doorstep and (for now) it's free of charge. You'll learn why Buchanan and Carlson quit their respective careers to pursue Helium Books. Plus, you'll get a list of recommended reads for all ages and interests.

This couldn't be a podcast in America's Dairyland without some focus on cheese. Many of us eat it and love it, but how much do we actually know about cheese? In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with George Crave. He's the head cheesemaker and one of four brothers behind Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese in Waterloo. George has traveled the world studying the art and science behind the process and now Crave Brothers makes some of the best mozzarella, curds, and more. In this episode, you'll learn some of the secrets behind cheese production, the best and weirdest cheeses Crave has tasted, and how they can power the entire farm and factory with manure.

During the pandemic, non-profits like Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin have provided lifesaving food and resources for more and more people in need. The person coordinating the efforts to tackle hunger is President and CEO Patti Habeck. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with Patti to talk about the road to solving food insecurity. You'll also learn how an interest in Game Theory helped Patti prepare for the pandemic and the increasing number of people getting help for the first time. Plus, Patti tells us about a magical childhood experience at the MECCA and how she ended up in a car with Johnny Cash.

It certainly was a wild year for the Milwaukee Bucks -- from life in 'The Bubble,' to one of the greatest moments in Bucks history when Giannis Antetokounmpo committed to Milwaukee long-term. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Bucks sideline reporter, Zora Stephenson. Zora shares why she wasn't surprised the Greek Freak signed that huge contract and her favorite personal story from covering the two-time MVP. She introduces us to some new faces on this year's roster and explains how strange it is to cover games in a mostly-empty Fiserv Forum. Plus, you'll learn about Zora's background as a baller and growing up in a world of DC politics.

Picture this: You're working with tens of thousands of farmers around the world who rely on your company for their livelihoods. Imagine handling all that at the ripe age of 23. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Josh Shefner, founder and CEO of Agricycle Global, a Milwaukee-based group that helps women in Africa and the Caribbean produce dried fruit that's sold here in the U.S. While you may not recognize the name, Shefner has an incredible story. You'll learn how a college project at MSOE turned into his life's work.

It's a problem that's plagued southeast Wisconsin for a while and this year's pandemic has only inflated the number of people in our community who are hungry. Ever since Sherrie Tussler became Executive Director of Hunger Task Force in 1997, she's never experienced a year like this. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with Tussler to talk about how COVID-19 has affected Hunger Task Force. Tussler explains how her small crew has risen to the challenge and one of the good things she hopes comes out of this pandemic. You'll also learn what hot pepper-loving gorillas have to do with the Hunger Task Force Farm.

A bright light in the dark. There have been plenty of challenges in 2020, but one dream in particular, became reality for one of Milwaukee's most influential voices. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Ian Abston. Ian and his partners completed a four-year journey to light the entire Hoan Bridge with thousands of state-of-the-art LEDs that put on a show each and every night. But a beautiful sight isn't all this bridge offers -- Carl and Ian talk about the impact this project could have on attracting people to Milwaukee. You'll also learn about how Ian first got involved in the city and shares a few great stories about a New Year's Eve party that didn't quite go as planned at the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the one time he picked up a hitchhiker in the rain, only to find out if was one of Milwaukee's biggest names. Plus, you'll hear how the pandemic could make Brew City the next 'it' destination.

He's a grad student from India who fell in love with Milwaukee. Sharad Chadha went all in when he bought Sprecher Brewing back in January, becoming the President and CEO. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Chadha about buying the company from the founder of Milwaukee's first craft brewery. Chadha walks us through the ways COVID-19 changed business almost immediately. Another topic in the episode: hard seltzers. Chadha explains why those hard seltzers are here to stay and the lifeline they've given Sprecher Brewing. You'll also learn about the efforts to make Sprecher a national name.

In an effort to keep players, staff, and fans safe and healthy as they finish up its interrupted season, the NBA has created the Bubble. While the rest of us watch from hundreds of miles away DJ Shawna is right in the middle of the most fascinating sports experiment of 2020. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Shawna Nicols. Nicols grew up in Milwaukee and played basketball in high school, at Wisconsin for college, and went on to play professionally overseas. She has also become one of the top entertainers in Brew City, as the Official DJ for the Milwaukee Bucks, the Wisconsin Badgers, and more. You'll learn what life is actually like in the Bubble, how it felt to open for Lizzo at Summerfest and the inspiration behind her #DareToBe brand.

He transitioned from a career in architecture to making things happen with a microphone. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh chats with 88Nine Radio Milwaukee's Tarik Moody. Moody who left Minnesota for Milwaukee, talks about the risk he took on a new station in a new city. The pair talk about how the radio station adapted amid the coronavirus pandemic while still serving the community. Moody also shares his thoughts on the ongoing protests in Milwaukee and cities across the U.S. following the death of George Floyd. You'll also hear some of Moody's favorite foods, video games, best building in Milwaukee, and new music artists you need to know.

It's time to (finally) talk baseball! Like everyone else in 2020, the Milwaukee Brewers had to press pause when MLB suspended its season in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh checks in with Sophia Minnaert to find out what we should expect from a 60-game slate that comes with plenty of rule changes and new faces on the roster. Minnaert has been part of the broadcast team on Fox Sports Wisconsin since 2013. She also has an interesting background -- growing up as the daughter of a high school football coach in Madison and fluent in Spanish thanks to her Costa Rican mom. She also has plenty of good stories about Christian Yelich, Bob Uecker and more.

Just three months ago, COVID-19 forced schools across Wisconsin to shut down and shift to distance learning. How do you make the move to online schooling when many of your 78,000 students don't have access to the internet and 80% are economically disadvantaged? That was the challenge facing Milwaukee Public Schools amid the pandemic and it's something Wendell Willis is still focusing on. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with the Executive Director of the MPS Foundation. As the former Chief Operating Officer for the district, Willis explains the way MPS got food, materials, and technology to students most in need. The pair also talk about the #ConnectMilwaukee program that aims to level the playing field by providing high-speed WiFi to students, and training and support to teachers. Plus, in the midst of protests over racial injustice, Willis shares his message for young demonstrators and his own experiences as a black man coaching soccer in the suburbs.

A symbol of strength and hope roaring through America's skies. Proud Wisconsin native, Maj. Michelle Curran, went into pilot training with no flight experience. Now, she breaks the mold as just the fifth female pilot in the history of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Maj. Curran from her home base in Las Vegas. Hear how COVID-19 shifted the team's mission, what it's actually like to withstand that wild gravitational force while pulling off harrowing maneuvers, and how she hopes to be an inspiration to the next generation of young pilots. And yes, there's a 'Top Gun' question or two.

Back in March, Alex Lasry found out the COVID-19 pandemic had not only canceled his wedding but also put his team's pursuit of a championship on hold. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh chats with the Bucks Senior VP about what it will take for the NBA season to resume and how, even if the Democratic National Convention goes virtual, it can still turn Milwaukee into a major player on the national and global stage. You'll also hear about Lasry's time working in the Obama White House and his favorite restaurant takeout during this time of social distancing.

When you're a man with big ideas, it helps to have an MVP or two on speed dial. A self-described 'people person,' Omar Shaikh is one of the most connected people in Milwaukee. Partner in SURG Restaurant Group, the new 3rd Street Market Hall, Chairman of the Board for VISIT Milwaukee, and the list goes on and on. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Shaikh talks about all those things, plus how amid a pandemic, he reached out to two big Milwaukee sports stars who stepped up in a big way to help front line workers. Shaikh also opens up about the very sobering numbers for not only his restaurant, Carnevor, but the industry as a whole.

In his long career, Paul Bartolotta has never seen anything affect the restaurant industry like the coronavirus. Many of his peers are offering takeout and curbside pickup, but in the episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Bartolotta explains why Bartolotta Restaurant Group decided to close all its locations. He also goes into the changes patrons may see when things eventually open up again. You'll also hear stories from Bartolotta who has spent time in kitchens around the world, including the legacy his late brother Joe leaves behind in Milwaukee. Plus, you'll learn the one thing Paul Bartolotta won't eat.

For more than 30 years, Discover Wisconsin has shown off the best our state has to offer: The people, the places, the things that make Wisconsin special. And for seven years, Mariah Haberman has served as one of the show’s hosts. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, The Evansville native and UW-Oshkosh product join the podcast to discuss what drew her back to her home state, some of her wildest experiences over the years and why she’s a huge proponent of traveling abroad all by yourself at least once in life. One note: We did tape this before the coronavirus pandemic, so no mention of that – but we do have all kinds of great recommendations for where you should go and what you should do when we can travel again.

Advocate Aurora is not just part of the fabric of Wisconsin, it’s one of the biggest health systems in the U.S. – with hospitals and hundreds of care sites serving millions of patients. One of the people advancing health and wellness far beyond an exam room is Cristy Garcia-Thomas. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with the company's Chief External Affairs Officer at her headquarters in Walker’s Point. She explains the ways Advocate Aurora is trying to lessen economic and racial disparities in our community and the larger effect that has on health. And as a proud member of Milwaukee’s Hispanic population and a powerful female executive in the city, they talk about how she’s creating more opportunities for those groups. It's important to mention, this podcast was recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Milwaukee is about more than just beer. And Colectivo is the cream that’s risen to the top of the coffee scene. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh heads to their Humboldt Avenue roasting facility to sit down with co-founder Lincoln Fowler. They talk about how a failed speaker business became a caffeinated institution. Also, how the company’s gamble in switching from Alterra to Colectivo paid off with the thriving, expanding business we know today. Plus, from Central and South America to Rwanda and Sumatra – amazing stories from trips that connect Milwaukee to the world.

For more than 125 years, the Milwaukee County Zoo has taken guests all around the world without ever leaving Wisconsin -- with animals and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the Midwest. And for the past 30 years, the man guiding the zoo’s efforts has been Director Chuck Wikenhauser. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Chuck about the changes he’s seen across the country, and the Zoo’s focus on conservation. They also get into some amazing trips he’s taken to Africa, Iceland and other places, some of the underrated exhibits right here in Milwaukee and more.

The Boys of Summer are back! The Brewers are celebrating the team's 50th anniversary in Milwaukee this season, hoping to make it to the playoffs for the third year in a row. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl catches up with a couple of the players at the recent Brewers on Deck event, pitcher Brent Suter and infielder Eric Sogard.

2020 is shaping up to be a huge year for the city of Milwaukee. VISIT Milwaukee's role will be to maximize this moment in the spotlight. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with the woman leading the charge for the tourism organization, CEO Peggy Williams-Smith. They talk about the lasting impact she hopes the DNC, the Ryder Cup, and other events will have on Milwaukee. Plus, they talk about the balance of growth and expansion while not losing what makes Milwaukee special.

What’s more Milwaukee than beer? And some of the best Brew City has to offer comes from Lakefront Brewery. A sibling rivalry of sorts between Russ and Jim Klisch helped get Lakefront started back in 1987, well ahead of the craft beer craze that’s now swept the nation. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl sits down with the brothers at the Commerce Street headquarters to discuss all things beer, the changes in the industry and Milwaukee over three decades, their knack for innovation, and what they think is coming next.

Milwaukee native and Academy Award Winner John Ridley has established himself as one of the best writers and thinkers in the entertainment industry. From his Oscar for "12 Years a Slave" to the Emmy-winning series "American Crime" and so many other projects, he’s never shied away from difficult subjects. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl sits down with Ridley to discuss a wide range in topics from how the entertainment industry has changed in the streaming age, to Ridley's thoughts on Milwaukee's future as a hub for TV and movie-making.

Making Milwaukee a downtown destination. Over the past 17 years, the Pabst Theater Group has helped transform the entertainment scene in the city. And the two men leading that charge are CEO Gary Witt and COO Matt Beringer. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, we caught up with the pair in the artists’ green room at the Riverside Theater to discuss how the industry has changed and evolved, their own growth into an operation with four distinct venues and hundreds of shows each year and some of their favorite moments from those shows including Jim Gaffigan, Bon Iver, George Carlin and more.

For many, the popular Night Market is their first introduction to NEWaukee. But over its ten years the organization has gone from a group of volunteers putting on social events to an organization with 200,000 subscribers and at the center of all of that is CEO and co-founder Angela Damiani. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl sits down with Angela at NEWaukee's downtown offices off Water street. They dive into the entrepreneurial spirit of someone who started her first company at age 22. They discuss how Angela's influence has grown from being the token millennial in different meetings to a powerful voice helping decide Milwaukee’s future and find out the role NEWaukee hopes to play in next summer’s Democratic National Convention.

He's the longest-serving Artistic Director in the History of Milwaukee Ballet. After 17 years, Michael Pink is responsible for plenty of growth in the arts and entertainment scene in Milwaukee. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh catches up with the renowned choreographer at the brand new Baumgartner Center for Dance in the Third Ward. They discuss what drew Pink to Milwaukee from his native England, the magic of shows like the Nutcracker and how he creates narrative in his choreography without being able to rely on dialogue or song lyrics.In the FOX6 Pack of Questions, Chief Meteorologist Rob Haswell explains how a psychic predicted his path to Milwaukee and his time on the high-seas in Toronto as a first mate and DJ.

When you think of a Historical Society, you probably don’t picture a 29-year-old at the helm. But that’s how old Mame McCully was when she took over as Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Historical Society. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh chats with McCully inside an old bank building off Old World Third Street. They dig into the Society's vast collection including why they have a mummified cat, where Milwaukee’s red light district used to be and how Pabst Brewing earned that blue ribbon. Plus, they discuss the challenge of digitizing and preserving our current history in an age when everything is in an email or on our phones.In the FOX6 Pack of questions, weather expert Eric Manges reveals a unique talent involving trees.

Hamilton is a Broadway sensation and it's finally arrived in Milwaukee. In this special bonus episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh chats with two of the stars -- Ta'Rea Campbell and Elijaf Malcomb. The pair stopped by the FOX6 studios to share great stories about Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr., what it takes to physically perform the lightning-quick lyrics and how they make the most of tour life –- including what they’ve enjoyed about Milwaukee so far.

In its 11th year, the Milwaukee Film Festival is regarded as one of the best in the country. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with the man that runs the show Artistic Director and CEO for Milwaukee Film, Jonathan Jackson. Their chat took place just days before the festival kicked off to find out how they settle on the hundreds of films in the lineup and ensure that there is indeed something for everyone. Plus, Jackson reveals how one night at the Oriental Theatre led this Cleveland-product to put down roots in Milwaukee.In the FOX6 Pack of Questions, fellow WakeUp anchor Kim Murphy joins Deffenbaugh and explains why should could never work in food service again.

Kalan Haywood made national headlines in 2018 when at just 19 years old he became Wisconsin’s youngest lawmaker, elected to represent Milwaukee’s 16th District in the State Assembly. Now, at the ripe old age of 20, he stopped by the FOX6 studios to share how the first year on the job has gone. He discusses the challenges of working for one of the most economically and socially diverse districts in Wisconsin, why young people should have a voice in politics and if there’s any time for a social life when you’re balancing duties as a State Rep and a college student.In the FOX6 Pack of Question, Amy DuPont reveals her not-so-secret talent and her favorite place to find Ethiopian food in Milwaukee.

It’s a name that’s synonymous with the movies in Milwaukee and across the country - Marcus. The man carrying on the family legacy is Greg Marcus. He took over daily operations of the Marcus Corporation a decade ago, and has expanded the company to the fourth largest group of theaters in the United States.FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh caught up with Greg a few months ago (when a little movie called Avengers: Endgame was still in theaters) to discuss how they’ve changed with the times in an age when streaming at home is so prevalent, and the similarities and differences between the theater and hotel sides of the company. Greg also reveals some of his favorite films and actors of all-time and why he still plays piano for the public every Tuesday. In the FOX6 Pack of questions, Investigator Amanda St. Hilaire reveals her most embarrassing moment and what her to Milwaukee.

During college football season, ESPN’s College GameDay visits campuses across the country. One woman at the center of all that action is Jen Lada. Lada is now calling Milwaukee home and shares with Carl Deffenbaugh why it's special to be back (25:58). She reveals why authenticity has been so important to her career (12:45) and her approach to telling compelling and emotional feature stories (20:31). Plus, in the FOX6 pack of questions Angelica Sanchez offers some great recommendations for food around Milwaukee and explains why she should be in charge of the FOX6 Garden.

In August 2018, Fiserv Forum opened in downtown Milwaukee. SInce then, it has become the hub for entertainment in the area bringing major acts and serving as home for the Milwaukee Bucks. And, the man running the show is Raj Saha. He's the general manager at Fiserv Forum. Saha has opened arenas all around the world and has stories for days. He sits down with Carl Deffenbaugh to discuss how Fiserv Forum is trying to change the way entertainment is viewed and consumed in Milwaukee. And, he reveals who's in more awe when Justin Timberlake and Giannis Antetokounmpo share a room. In the FOX6 Pack, investigator Bryan Polcyn what brought him to Wisconsin 15 years ago and why he's stayed ever since.

In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with CEO and GM of Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, Rodney Ferguson. Ferguson has decades of experience in the gaming industry, but is actually a CPA by trade. He's held numerous positions and was promoted to CEO of Potawatomi in 2017. During his conversation with Deffenbaugh, Ferguson reveals what it was like working for President Donald Trump in Atlantic City (8;46). When it comes to his current role, Ferguson talks about the responsibility he feels to represent the Forest County Potawatomi tribe (18:30) and what he hopes the lasting impact of the DNC will be for Milwaukee (12:08). Plus, Bret Lemoine joins for the FOX6 Pack (33:33) and tells all -- including his encyclopedic knowledge of all things Superman and the time he met Henry Cavill, why you may recognize him as the voice of Target and stories about his brother Tegan – who just so happens to be a parrot.

In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown. They discuss the dramatic changes she’s seen in more than two decades on the job, what’s turned downtown into such an enticing place to work and live, her favorite spots for a drink or a meal and even a conversation about loss and staying positive in the wake of personal tragedy. Also, Carl chats with FOX6 Weather Expert Stephanie Barichello about her life outside the station.

In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh chats with Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Pat Connaughton. After three years with Portland, he's adjusting to a new team and city. Connaughton tells all about the banner season giving insight into the Bucks including some humorous superlatives and playing side-by-side with Giannis Antetokounmpo. He, also, shares a bit about his past including his illustrious time in high school chorus.

In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with the two people leading Summerfest, Don Smiley and Bob Babisch. The pair are defining the music scene in Milwaukee with the Big Gig bringing some the biggest names to Brew City for the 11-day festival.