Live at Daly's, where journalist and author B.C. Kowalski interviews interesting people in central Wisconsin about interesting things. All podcasts are recorded at Daly's restaurant and jazz club in downtown Wausau.
Stevens Point and Madison based band Fuzzdolly was active from 94-97 and recorded six releases in that time. Now they're back, working on a new album and have a small reunion tour slated for August. Check out the dates: Thursday, August 11 – Whitewater Music Hall / Wausau – Fuzzdolly Friday, August 12th – UWSP – The Encore / Stevens Point – Fuzzdolly, Indonesian Junk Saturday, August 13th – High Noon Saloon – Madison / Fuzzdolly Moonboot
In this episode, I sit down with Wisconsin hemp farmer Misty Lee Poehnelt — we talk about how the hemp program is going in Wisconsin, what it's like to grow hemp, and some of the challenges associated with being a pioneer in this field. Hemp was once a principal export in Wisconsin and now farmers here are hoping to bring that legacy back! Watch the video on YouTube as well.
This week on the Keep it Wausome podcast, we break down the PFAS situation so people can understand what is going on, including a talk with Mayor Katie Rosenberg on the latest on what the city is doing to remedy this situation.
Wausau Mama has built a new institution for sharing Wausau events and activities with parents. And now she's got a new book out! We talk about how she built her parenting empire in Wausau on this episode of Keep it Wausome!
Last Shoot Out star Skylar Witte, who also happens to be a graduate of D.C. Everest, joins me on the Keep it Wausome podcast as the film releases! You won't want to miss this one folks - we talk all things Hollywood, Miss America, Los Angeles and what Skyler loves about Wisconsin. Rent or buy the film on Amazon Prime now! https://amzn.to/31qiaop
On this week's episode, I talk with salon owner Marie Kieffer, owner of Verve Salon. Verve bills itself as an all-inclusive hair salon, with services for all hair and skin types. And, Verve is one of our sponsors!
Khwaga Ghani's journey from Kabul to Fort McCoy is a fascinating tale as Wausau prepares to host its first wave of Afghan and Ethiopian refugees. In this podcast, I interview freelance journalist Sharon Sobotta about how she got the story, her impressions of the Ghani and the situation, her ties to Wisconsin, and after the interview you can hear Sobotta's full interview with Ghani.
Wausau has a new poet laureate, and she happens to be a long-time friend of the podcast! Dawn Anderson first appeared the Live at Daly's podcast in 2019, before the name changed, and is one of my personal favorite people. And, she's one heck of a poet! This is a great conversation and you won't want to miss it!
Laura Scudiere has already had a pretty impressive career. She worked as the Behavior Services Director at North Central Health Care and lead Bridge Community Clinic into a new era. Now, she's set to become the next Marathon County Health Officer. Oh, and she's a Star Trek and retro TV nerd, just like me! This was one super fun episode of the podcast.
Wausau author Chris Gerboth just came out with his latest novel, Frank Meade, and it's a joy to read. In this episode, we talk about how the novel came about, his portrayal of journalism, how minor characters assert themselves and the town that inspired his story. Oh and why supporting local book stores is important.
In this episode of Keep it Wausome, I sit down with Jerel Austin Ballard. Ballard was the anchor of the morning show on WSAW Channel 7, and now lives in Milwaukee. Ballard started a foundation to provide scholarships to those with the potential to go to college but need some of the boost, because he got that help when he was going to school. He's got a cool story to tell and it was a blast interviewing him!
In this episode of the podcast I bring you Tim Gutknecht, founder of Red Feather Photography. Gutknecht has carved a space out for himself in the photography biz, a crowded market. We talk mastery of one's craft, finding your style and standing out in the crowd. You won't want to miss this one!
When Stephanie Kohli sold her first painting, the person who received it as a gift was so mad she demanded her money back. That might have stopped many people, but Kohli is one incredible person, and not easily dissuaded. Today she's one of central Wisconsin's most sought-after artists and probably the most prolific mural artist in the area. We talk art, how to value yourself and your work and we destroy the myth of the starving artist.
In this video I sit down with Jarrod Crooks and talk about the end of Wausau Center mall, our memories of Wausau's mall and share some listener's memories too! Plus, bonus footage of a scene Jarrod shot at the mall in its heyday, my walkthrough of the mall toward the end of its life and one of the old commercials from the 80s.
Scott Laub is the founder of Skeeter's Woodshop, and before that had a career in music as a hired gun drummer, working for bands that opened for some pretty big acts. Laub talks very candidly with Keep it Wausome about giving up alcohol and turning to woodworking to fill that void.
For our very special 50th episode of Keep it Wausome podcast, we're joined by Nika Danilova, AKA Zola Jesus! Nika and I talk about growing up with classical music and how it can be stifling; the trouble with Spotify; recording her new album; and why she returned to Wisconsin and lovers it here so much. This is now the second time I've had long conversations with Nika and I've really enjoyed talk with her both times. I hope you will enjoy this conversation too!
Justin Evans once moved to LA to pursue - wait for it - country music. Now he is the executive director of the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum. Evans talks to me about acting, singing, LA, running the CWCT during the pandemic and so much more - don't miss it! Want to help out the CWCT? You can do so right here: https://www.mycwct.org/support-us
Gina Cornell worked in Cancun as a foreign correspondent for the Miami Herald, is a triathlete and is about to launch her new triathlon clothing brand, Ciao Bella. Her journey into the world of health and triathlons is fascinating, as is her journey into entrepreneurship! Find Ciao Bella Athletics on Facebook!
In this episode of the podcast I sit down with Harold Melo, who has played guitar with the likes of Substyle, Billy Bronsted and the Loot, Brad Emanuel and countless others. Harold is one of the best guitar players I know, a guy who lives and breathes music and understands it better than I could ever hope to. Catch a glimpse of his new single It's Not Too Late and then go buy it on Bandcamp, and listen on Spotify!
Jerome Segura III was a top economist at UW-Stevens Point. Today, he's a grower of mushrooms and runs the business Segura and Sons, a growing business in Stevens Point. We talk about how he made that transition and I get his take on a number of economics topics in this episode of Keep it Wausome! Want all the local news delivered to your inbox once per week? Sign up for The Wausonian for free at wausonian.substack.com
I've been excited for this one. William Harris is, as far as anyone can tell, Marathon County's first black elected official. But that's honestly the least interesting thing about Mr. Harris. Most elected officials take a term or two, or at least a year, to get their feet under them. William just hit the ground running and his efforts have already led to a ton of change. Thanks to him residents at Island Place, many who are elderly, now have a bus stop they can access. And the county thanks to William's efforts is seeking aid from the state that could mean the difference between being evicted and staying in their home. And did you know he went to Oxford? William is one impressive fellow, and someone who chose to live in Wausau. It was an honor to sit down with him for a conversation. Also, check out these Black History Month events William is working on - find his Facebook page for more details: Black History Month: Courageous Community Conversations February 3rd, 2021 US History After the Transatlantic Slave Trade February 10th, 2021 What is Racism Through a Trauma-Informed Lens? February 17th, 2021 Why are We Still Talking About Racism? February 24th, 2021 Racism and how it intersects with Black Women
Ashlie Montana Zeidler is not only an amazing yoga teacher, but, well, I just love the way she thinks! She's one of those people who I can run into and start chatting with, and suddenly realize an hour has gone by. I wanted to sit down with Ashlie to talk about fitness and the new year, and how to approach a changing year. I think you'll enjoy hearing from Ashlie as much as I always do! Her Etsy shop is called: AshZeidlerCreative
With all the fitness enthusiasm in the new year, I sit down with Melissa Rae Hartl, the member experience manager at Anytime Fitness, avid weightlifter and the lead vocalist of The Hartless! We talk about starting out on a fitness journey and best practices and also spend a lot of time talking about music too. I think you'll enjoy this episode! I sure did!
In this episode, Rebecca Tuley and Jahn Martin join me to talk about new developments in Wausau area mountain biking. We break some news on the podcast, from new trails under way to new, local ownership of a popular area mountain bike race. If you are interested in mountain biking and its growth in central Wisconsin, you will want to check out this episode!
Today's guest is Marty Cheyka. Marty is the founder of Whitehouse Studios, a music production studio just outside of Wausau. Marty and his wife Shelby had a record contract with a major label studio and worked under Timbaland but through a series of unfortunate events came back to Wausau and now are major players in the music scene here. I've interviewed him twice now - once for City Pages and now for this podcast — and I've really enjoyed talking with him. I hope you enjoy this conversation too!
It's our 40th episode! And I've got a great one for you: my former boss, and founder of City Pages, Tammy Stezenski! Tammy defied the odds in 1993 starting a brand new, weekly alternative newspaper in Wausau, where many thought was impossible in such a small city. Tammy proved otherwise and ran City Pages until this year when she finally sold it. We talk about the challenges of quitting to start a small business, some sexism early on and some tips for young entrepreneurs going into business now. You really don't want to miss this one folks! This is possibly my favorite episode of the podcast so far; definitely top 5!
In this special podcast I sit down with Eric Giordano, executive director of the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service and my former Political Science Professor. I've always respected and admired Eric and learned a ton from him in his class. We're both fiercely independent and loyal to no party, so I thought him the perfect person to analyze these elections. He did not disappoint! You might agree or disagree, but at the least it will make you think.
Folks, I've never learned more in a podcast about entrepreneurship than in this sit down with Eric Thomas. Eric owners multiple businesses such as LIFT gyms, Echoscapes metal sculpture, supplement company NFP Gear and 180 Cuts Market with his wife, a cafe in the Rib Mountain Lift that is open to the public and specializes in health meals. We talk about the necessity of pushing through failure in business, of learning from all of those who have been doing it longer than you, dealing with criticism and pushing through when things seem tough. Early on we get some nutrition advice from Eric too. This podcast was a lot of fun and I learned a lot!
My guest today is Lora Bladow - she is a real estate rock star in our area, one of my favorite sources of information in the real estate realm in our area, and I wanted to find out how she got started. I call her a superstar because she hasn’t been afraid to put herself out there on social media in a very authentic way, and I think it’s a reason for her success.
Trevor Roark is the founder of the bicycle-based company Curbwise, which specializes in bicycle delivery for businesses - a nice thing during the pandemic. Trevor used to run UWSP Adventure Tours prior to COVID, and his travel adventures have been featured in City Pages. And, you might know him from his time in regional Irish band Green Tea! Give it up for my good pal Trevor Roark!
Bradley Sperger, recording artist and one man band joins the Keep it Wausome podcast to talk about his newest single, It Will Stay the Same. Sperger is known for recording exclusively on his ipad, and live he is a one man band, building songs through live looping with a variety of instruments. We talk about songwriting, the recording process and the marvels of modern recording!
Guest host Jarrod Crooks joins me to talk about what makes Jurassic Park so awesome and how it stands the test of time. The film is now on Netflix and is just as good today as it was in 1992. We can't say the same for the sequels, unfortunately. Jarrod Crooks is joining me as my new gust host - let me know what you think!
Tim Buchholz is not only a jazz musician and vocalist, as well as a teacher at UWSP @ Wausau. He and his wife are also part of an adventure racing team ranked No. 1 in the entire country! We talked about music, adventure racing and he and Anna's potential foray onto television - and you will hear it here first!
In the latest episode of Keep it Wausome, I talk to Sarah Rudolph about life as a drama teacher who wasn't afraid to push the envelope in Wausau. That included bringing to town the Laramie Project, which brought protests from Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. We talk about that and more as Rudolph recounts 30 years as a drama teacher.
Actress Kimi Harris has started in feature and short films, TV and web series - and she's from Wausau! Harris moved to LA at a young age to pursue acting and has worked with celebrities that include Wanda Sykes. She moved back home during the pandemic and took some time to talk to our podcast! I first met Kimi when we worked together on my friend Jarrod Crooks' film, Bitch Slapped Again — she as the star, and me as Thug #2. Kimi talked to me about the realities of trying to make it in Hollywood, what it's like being on set and how the progression from beginner to working your way to better and better roles works. Check it out!
One of my favorite guests, Dr. Linda Bluestein, is back to talk about how to evaluate and incorporate health research into your lifestyle, some basic tips to improve your health and her thoughts on all these health documentaries coming out. It's a little shorter than many of our podcasts because of time constraints (mostly on my part) but it's full of valuable information!
Scott Brault is a professional wrestler with more than 30 years experience in the ring, and has had a career in films and commercials as well. The Brauler and I have appeared in the same short film with my good friend filmmaker Jarrod Crooks, and his moves even in the film were pretty impressive! You won't want to miss this one folks!
Deamon Boettcher is a tattoo artist and now musician who overcame drug addiction to start his own tattoo shop and developed a recovery ribbon tattoo that symbolizes recovery. The tattoo design went viral and was shared all around the world, lending him fame in the tattoo and recovery worlds. That led to his producing his first music album too!
Adam Greuel of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades joins the podcast today - so exciting! Horseshoes and Hand Grenades is a national level bluegrass band that tours the country, and now Adam has been focusing on solo work, recorded right in Stevens Point, including his latest Quarantine Tangerine. I've always loved interviewing Adam and we had a great talk - he's a talented hard working artist, and a super nice dude. Enjoy this episode!
In this week's episode of the podcast I sit down with Jessica Guyant - Jessica not only owns the Wild Roots Apothecary in Schofield, which serves all kinds of delicious and healthy food like smoothie bowls and Acai bowls, but has lived an adventurous life captaining boats, leading dives in Hawaii and owning businesses in Colorado. She's got tons of great stories and I had a blast talking to her!
Rie Tanaka is a nationally touring concert pianist, a music teacher and a 200-YTT trained yoga teacher! Outside of teaching and performing, she runs a Facebook page called Wellness for Musicians in which she teaches musicians how to take care of their bodies, something she struggled with herself while practicing for hours a day. We talk about music and how to think about practicing, our mutual love of yoga and what it has done for us and our shared experience at UWSP, where Rie came to from Japan.
Bob Allen, founder of The Allen Brothers Band, and my old bandmate and friend, joins the Keep it Wausome podcast. We talk about songwriting, how he learned to play music without being able to read music and and becoming comfortable with one's singing voice. You won't want to miss this one!
Holly Ann Reif is a music teacher, musician with the band Soul Fource, and one hell of a singer. We sit down and talk about music during the pandemic, getting up the nerve to go on stage, our shared introvert status and how to navigate that as a musician, and Holly even gives me a mini vocal lesson!
Joe Ellis is the founder of JEM Productions, which produces live events and retooled in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, putting together livestream concerts with area musicians with full lights, stage and sound production. We also talk about his musical career as Joe.E, and his sometimes terrifying previous career as an airline pilot! All podcasts going forward are part of our social distancing series, in which we interview our guests over the phone. To maintain high video and audio quality standards, we're having our guests speak to us through headphones and record audio and video on their end and send it to us.
Filmmaker Jarrod Crooks joins me for this first special social distancing episode of the Keep it Wausome! podcast! All interviews for the social distancing series will be conducted remotely. Crooks is an independent filmmaker and we talk about making a short film about the Coronavirus, keeping ourselves creatively occupied and getting CoronaJacked!
In this week's episode of Keep it Wausome, I sit down with Nick O'Brien. Nick was a powerhouse in Wausau, sparking a number of events and interesting things going on, including the Wausau SOUP event, which was one of the most unique events to grace our city. Note: This was recorded before the Coronavirus pandemic took off - the last in person podcast we could do. But we have a new Corona-friendly podcast in the works!
In this week's episode of Keep it Wausome, I sit down with Michelle Goetsch, founder of the ERbin recycling app that let's you scan or search a product and figure out whether it's recyclable or not. Geotsch and I talk worklife balance, the challenge of founding a startup in Central Wisconsin and a little about our old days on the sports desk together. You won't want to miss it!
In this special edition of Keep it Wausome, I sit down with Judy Burrows, the Public Information Officer dedicated to the Coronavirus in Marathon County. Judy explains what the coronavirus is, how we can protect ourselves, what we can do while we're at home, and more.
In this special episode, I sit down with mayoral candidate Katie Rosenberg. This is part B of our series on the mayoral candidates - the point of these was to get to know each candidate as people, and we avoided talking policy as much as possible. Check out Mayor Robert Mielke's in part A as well!
in this special podcast set of episodes, I sit down with Mayor Robert Mielke ahead of the mayor's race. In part B, I sit down with challenger Katie Rosenberg. The idea is to get to know each of the candidates as people, and we avoid talking about politics as much as possible.
In this week's episode of Keep it Wausome!, I sit down with Harold Melo and Matthew Reif of the local band Substyle, ahead of the release party for their newest EP. This band is really great and I'm looking forward to their release party at Whitewater Music Hall in downtown Wausau! Also new this week, Harold did all the producing on this podcast and will be coming on as my new producer! I'm super excited on this collaboration and I think you will hear the difference - this episode really sounds great! Everyone give him a nice welcome in the comments!