Podcasts about Cream City

Gus T. Renegade gives counter-racist analysis on the third day of the Sade C. Robinson murder trial in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. More than a year after the murder and dismemberment of the 19-year-old black teen, Suspected Racist Maxwell Anderson is accused of arson, dismemberment, hiding a corpse and homicide. 12 jurors and 3 alternate jurors were selected on the first day of proceedings. Unless Gus is mistaken, only 2 of the 15 are classified as black. Since Gus T. is not a Milwaukee native, he was not initially aware that Milwaukee does not have a majority White population. The US census indicates the "Cream City" has a population of less than 35% White. This 15-person jury has 12 people classified as White - a whopping 80% of the jury. A number of local journalists and scholars have researched and written about this local element of White Supremacy for years. Yet, the problem remains. Also, during late morning testimony, Detective Kayla Bjerke disclosed that she found 47 methamphetamine tablets at Sade's apartment. The defense will surely argue that the accused Anderson did not commit this heinous crime, but rather, this dastardly act was the work of her drug supplier. During afternoon testimony, ATF agent Ricky Henkins provided scientific detail about the deliberate nature of the fire set to Sade's blue Honda Civic. He explained how evidence and witnessed testimony shaped his conclusion about the intentional blaze. Later, Detective Casey Donohue testified to the neighborhood surveillance footage he gathered about the car arson. Numerous cameras captured a figure who strongly resembles Anderson as he calmly walks from the fire. The figure appears to be a large, pale, White Man. #ForSade INVEST in The C.O.W.S. - https://cash.app/$TheCOWS #TheCOWS16Years CALL IN NUMBER: 605.313.5164 CODE: 564943#

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! This week a quick reflection on the importance of IN REAL LIFE gatherings. Social media, sch-mocial media ... I'm starting to call it 'isolation media' these days - and much preferring the real life gatherings, walks, talks, and events that bring us together. Maybe you're feeling this way too? Also part TWO on the Caramel Delight story from last week. A few links from this week: The Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerMindfulness & Self Compassion Workbook for Kids by Jamie Lynn Tatera The copycat cookie I probably should never have known existed. Support the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! This week I'm musing on what I'm noticing as this "in-between season" on attention reaches the half way mark. If you've enjoyed hearing the conversation with Thekla Brumder Ross on Wednesdays, this is the chance to hear me reflect on what I'm doing with all the new ways of approaching attention. Today ... it's all about attention given and attention received. It's about caramel delights and you'll hear me read a myth I wrote about my future self. Curious? Listen in, it's a short one today! Back next week with more of my conversation with Thekla and on June 4th, Season 8 begins with more incredible Milwaukee women! Support the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! The Cream City Digest is back, this time with some reflections on attention and noticing where mine goes. Maybe you'll join me this month and take a peek at your own attention! Links from this week! Women's Entrepreneurship Week ❤️ Listener Amanda from Fresh Therapy LLCMolly Caro May on AttentionBe sure to listen to this week's episode with Thekla Brumder Ross where we talk ALL about attention and break down where we're going with this month's in between series. Support the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! It's been a season! Boy howdy, has it been an incredible look at the women of Milwaukee who have made major life pivots and come through shining! On today's Cream City Digest, I recap the season, plus give a look at what's coming in the month of May with my friend and clinical psychologist Thekla Brumder Ross. Also, a link tothe peony bush incident. https://www.wuwm.com/podcast/lake-effect-segments/2018-06-08/essay-the-peony-bush-incidentSupport the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! If you've been following along, you know yesterday was the Gathering of the Guests and 20 of Cream City Dreams' previous guests got together to share coffee, conversation and connections! This week on the Digest, hear how it went, plus an invitation for newsletter subscribers and a permission to BE BIG from poet, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. So many incredible Milwaukee women at one table. Maybe YOU can join us next time, make sure you're on the newsletter to find out when! Support the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Links I mention this week in the Friday Digest!This week's episode with Dasha Kelly HamiltonA Line Meant - released and in the wild. Join Dasha at one of these launches!Women's Entrepreneurship Week (May 5-9) And of course, BUY ME A COFFEE linked here, if you want to ** LITERALLY THIS TIME** buy some coffee for me and the other Cream City Guests from Seasons 1-7. And tune in next week for another incredible Milwaukee woman, living her dream in the Cream City! Support the show

We successfully made it through another Radio Milwaukee Spring Membership Drive! That's 10 days of our listeners hearing us (and folks in the community) explain why supporting this station matters. Whether through sustaining memberships or one-time gives, everything helps keep us on the air and in the Cream City.Radio Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization, and membership accounts for nearly a third of our annual revenue. As membership manager Maddy Riordan explains in this episode, members help sustain 88Nine and HYFIN, but also efforts like Grace Weber's Music Lab, this very podcast and our Black Small Business Initiative.Let's not forget about those who donate their time. We asked one of our longtime volunteers, Rachel Bourbon, to talk about what attracted her to Radio Milwaukee 17 years ago and how the station has evolved in nearly two decades.We also decided to have a little fun with this episode and lean on the fact that our organization is an award-winning media outlet. But that got us wondering: How many honors have we won since our 2007 launch? We'll find out together as we take an “Award Tour” with HYFIN program director Element Everest-Blanks.

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Listen this week as I talk about the synchronicity (or is it serendipity?) coming at me this week inviting me to let go of perfectionism. Here are the links I mention: Laurie Wagner and Wild Writing Panadanza Dance Company Delaware House Sherrill Knezel of Meaningful MarksAlesia Miller of SoulBrew Kombucha and her SHOW THIS WEEKENDShelly Roder - Tuesday Morning Meditations, sign up HERE to join us!Creative Mornings (register for next week's event)And of course, BUY ME A COFFEE linked here, if you want to ** LITERALLY THIS TIME** buy some coffee for me and the other Cream City Guests from Seasons 1-7. Support the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Links I mention this week in the Friday Digest! Harper Marten this week's guest on creativity!Also a new, as yet unreleased podcast, "Calm It Down, Kids!" (let me know what you think, would you listen?!)Molly Caro May on attentionAnd tune in next week for another incredible Milwaukee woman, living her dream in the Cream City! Support the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Links I mention this week in the Friday Digest! Poem: At Albany Bulb with Elaine by Alison LutermanAndrea Scher and her book, Wonder Seeker Dasha Kelly Hamilton (coming soon to the pod!) Shelly Roder's Loving Kindness Meditation And tune in next week for another incredible Milwaukee woman, living her dream in the Cream City! Support the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Links I mention this week in the Friday Digest! Where I'm From by George Ella LyonVOTE VOTE VOTE And tune in next week for another incredible Milwaukee woman, living her dream in the Cream City! Support the show

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Links I mention this week in the Friday Digest! Love the pod? Buy me a coffee! (pretty please!) Persisters (I made it to a meeting last week! You can too!) Listen to their episode from last week! (the PERSISTers)Hanan Refugees Relief Group - donate today! Bojana Zurić Martinez - her episode from last season! (a refugee story)Chefs from the Wilcuma Dinner (support their restaurants, they support community!): Gregory León from Amilinda Dana Spandet from Flour Girl & Flame Justin Aprahamian from SanfordMary Kastman from PurslaneJennifer Grundy from Seven Swans Crêperie Gil Petrovic from Buckley'sand Nell Benton** from Shorewest** Listen NEXT week for Nell on the podcast! Threshold Choirs! National Diorama MonthEVENT: 2025 Diorama-Rama at Amorphic BeerStreet Life CommunitiesSupport the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Links I mention this week in the Friday Digest! Persisters Listen to their episode from this week! (the PERSISTers)Poem from Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer's new book The UnfoldingAndrea Scher - Moonflower Oracle CardsHanan Refugees Relief Group - donate today!And tune in next week for another incredible Milwaukee woman, living her dream in the Cream City! Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Links I mention this week in the Friday Digest! Persisters Sherrill Knezel on IGBecome a Secret Agent of ChangeRosemerry Wahtola TrommerAnd tune in next week for another incredible Milwaukee woman, living her dream in the Cream City! Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Today on the podcast, I'm talking about JOY. Yes JOY, yes REALLY. More specifically, I'm asking if you can connect me to JOY in Milwaukee. AND I'm reading a poem by everyone's favorite poet, Mary Oliver. Who doesn't need JOY right now? Also - if you want to support Hanan Refugees Relief group - Please donate HERE! And tune in next week for another incredible Milwaukee woman, living her dream in the Cream City! Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! More Incredible Milwaukee women helping our community today! Today, a big announcement with a HOT TICKET! You'll want to get your hands on one of these tickets before they are GONE! A dinner in support of the Hanan Refugees Relief Group ... to be held on Monday, March 10 at Amilinda. (so you KNOW Chef Gregory León will be there!) Tickets and more information on sale today HERE. LINKS I talk about in today's episode: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2025/01/31/trumps-stop-work-order-leave-refugees-resettlement-agencies-in-panic/77995297007/https://nellbenton.shorewest.com/https://hananrrg.org/https://www.lsswis.org/service/housing-and-residential/refugee-resettlement-2/https://iiwisconsin.org/refugee-resettlement/(My Episode with Bojana Zorić Martinez on the refugee experience in Wisconsin) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1969604/episodes/16075938https://amilinda.com/https://creativemornings.com/cities/MKESupport the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Short and sweet again today, because there is STILL so much noise out there. This week I'm reflecting on small joys and small actions. (because sometimes it seems like that's all there is right now.) Hear me talk about, hip hop, lasagne, Sharon McMahon, crackly phone lines and joy-as-responsibility. What's bringing YOU joy? And also, a call for future JOY related guests.  Do you know an incredible Milwaukee woman who is spreading JOY as their mission? I want to talk to them!Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Short and sweet again today, because there is STILL so much noise out there. This week I'm reflecting on how our need to gather is stronger than ever, but it feels different than it did before. Hear my thoughts on this. PLUS, I shout out some organizations and people who are gathering us in ways that are regenerative and necessary right now. Including a special invitation from my former co-host Shelly Roder. Here are the links you'll want: PERSISTers Fuel MilwaukeeAn invitation to meditate with Shelly (and me!) - REGISTER at this link! Support the show

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson on immigration enforcement in the city. The Milwaukee Badgers: one of the Green Bay Packers biggest, former rivals. How Milwaukee became known as the Cream City.

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Short and sweet again today, because there is SO much noise out there. But if you're feeling overwhelmed and not sure where or how to start, here's an idea: start small, start local, start today. Hear what's inspiring me to do just that this week on today's Cream City Digest. Back next week with another incredible Milwaukee woman. Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Hey hey - I'm away this week but managed to sneak a microphone in my bag to make a small recording from Oaxaca, Mexico. I promise I won't rub it in to all my friends shivering back in Milwaukee. But I WILL point out some lessons learned that remind me of the lessons I've been learning over the three years of interviewing incredible Milwaukee women in the Cream City.Here's the retreat I'm on in case you're interested! Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Inspiring Milwaukee women inspiring ALL of us on this podcast. Today's Digest is short and sweet (as usual on these Friday episodes). And this is the equally short and sweet show note where I link to things I talked about. Wild Writing with Laurie Wagner You Don't Have to be Everything by Maya Stein This week's Episode with Kristin BreyNeed your own habit tracker? Try this one. Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! I mention a few inspiring ways to think about local gift giving this season in today's Cream City Digest. Short and sweet - and maybe it'll get you into the holiday spirit and even excited to give this year. MKE Women Notes & Coupon BookWhat's your Love Language? Buy Nothing ProjectCourtney Martin's Gift Guide on her Substack, The Examined Family Mark Nepo and Laurie Wagner in ConversationSupport the show

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Wisconsin (courtesy photo) Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, established in 1868, is on a 76-foot bluff in Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin. The square tower, constructed of Cream City brick from Milwaukee, is connected to the keeper's house. The light served to guide shipping through the Strawberry Channel. In its active history (1868-1926), there were only three keepers. William Duclon served an impressive 35 years (1883-1918). He and his wife raised seven sons at the light station. When the lamp was automated with acetylene gas in 1926, the era of resident keepers and their families at Eagle Bluff came to a close. 1905 view from the water (courtesy photo) Keeper William Duclon and his wife Julia lived at Eagle Bluff for 35 years (courtesy photo) The Door County Historical Society in Wisconsin operates two historic sites: Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park and Heritage Village at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay. Restoring and furnishing Eagle Bluff Lighthouse began in 1960 and took three years to complete. Since that time, the society has maintained the site and offered tours during the summer and fall months. Interviewed in this episode is Amy Frank, executive director of the Door County Historical Society.

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving! Hope you are sufficiently stuffed today and haven't spent too much $$ in the sales yet! Today, a short and sweet episode with a special request for friends of the podcast. Support local. Support storytelling. Support women. Support local women storytellers! And yep, I'm asking for it: please support THIS PODCAST! Find out how many hours I've spent on this labor of love and if you love it too, this week I'm asking you to buy me a coffee. Click here to inject the caffeine! Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Short and sweet Digest on the things that inspired me this week! And BIG NEWS: Cream City Dreams reached 100 episodes and 10,000 downloads!

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! I had a 'peppier' episode recorded ... with all the things I thought were inspiring me this week. And it was true. But it wasn't as true as it could be. So I went for a walk, and re-recorded this episode to reflect what's REALLY keeping me going this week. Turns out, it's more chocolate and bread than I'd like to admit. But I will anyway. Here are the links to other things I mention this week: Heather Cox Richardson Letters from an American Substack. Balance Meditation AppWild Writing with Laurie WagnerHeavenly Hunks (seriously delicious) And get a set of my Grounded in Gratitude cards HERE!Support the show

Something happened on the way to the Celtics second victory over the Bucks Sunday. When the going got tough, the Bucks got dirty. Cap and Guillermo discuss two uncalled flagrant fouls, Giannis "The Heel" Antetokoumnpo, and a signature win for the Celtics. Plus, a VETERAN'S DAY TICKET GIVEAWAY!!! #DifferentHere #Celtics #Bucks #JaylenBrown #GreekFreak #Antetokounmpo #JaysonTatum #AlHorford #DerrickWhite #JrueHoliday #PaytonPritchard #NBA Check out all the latest on the Celtics at SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nba/boston-celtics/news?pid=20906

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! This week - a Digest from the other side of the election. It's been a week. I'll share the Milwaukee women who are inspiring me in the aftermath of the election, and two poems by a new favorite, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. Short and (bitter)sweet this week. But we have to get up and keep moving forward. Venice William's poem in full: You are awakening to the same country you fell asleep to.The very same country.Pull yourself together.And, when you see me, do not ask me"What do we do now?How do we get through the next four years?"Some of my Ancestors dealt with at least 400 years of this under worse conditions.Continue to do the good work.Continue to build bridges not walls.Continue to lead with compassion.Continue the demanding work of liberation for all.Continue to dismantle broken systems, large and small.Continue to set the best example for the children.Continue to be a vessel of nourishing joy.Continue right where you are.Right where you live into your days.Do so in the name of The Creator who expects nothing less from each of us.And if you are not "continuing" ALL of the above, in community, partnership, collaboration?What is it you have been doing?What is it you are waiting for?And if you want to hear more about Venice Williams, go back and listen to the episode from Season 2 when Shelly and I talked with Venice about where she got her start and what inspires her to keep going. A timeless conversation about dreaming in Milwaukee. Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Today's Cream City Digest clears up a little misinformation on the voting process for young people/college students after an egregious text went out on October 10th telling this group of voters that if they violated WI Statutes they could end up in jail or with fines of $10,000. Clearly intimidation, which itself is illegal. So I called on Debra Cronmiller, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin to help clear this up and share the FACTS. If you have, or know of, a young voter who may have gotten this text, or who may be confused about what they can or can't do, you'll want to share this short Digest. Also in this episode: a sneak peek at what I'll have coming next Wednesday in lieu of a guest, and also a recommendation for something that may help with the anxiety in the run up to the election next week. (Hint: you'll want to be sitting down for both of these!) Locals and Links we love! She Should Run Meditation with Sharon SalzburgFind your (Wisconsin) Municipal Clerk HERE! Acceptable Photo IDsAcceptable Proof of ResidencyElection Day Voting InformationAnd if you're thinking of going canvassing this weekend in a last minute effort to GOTV (Get Out The Vote) … listen to the Cream City Digest on canvassing HERE before you head out! Show your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Are you feeling that low-grade (maybe high-grade) anxiety right about now? Is your feed filled with last-minute requests for your time, money, vote and attention? Today I'm offering a poem and a few minutes of respite from the noise. And a few suggestions on how to shut it down for just a moment. Go on, you know you need it!But you have voted, right? Sign up for canvassing shifts here: https://www.mobilize.us/Info on Milwaukee early voting here: https://city.milwaukee.gov/earlyvotingSupport the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Last weekend I went door knocking for the first time this election season. I had fears. Maybe you do too? This week, advice from volunteers on what to say, how to handle confrontation, and why it's important. Bundle up, grab a friend and head out to the campaign office this weekend. It's not too late! Hear from two of my friends who went with me, PLUS one of the volunteers at the WisDems HQ on Brady Street. Sign up for canvassing shifts here: https://www.mobilize.us/Virtual Statewide Phonebank for Gun Sense Candidates:Sunday, October 20 at 3:30pm Virtual via ZoomSupport the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! A friend with a new book, a podcast that is inspiring me lately, and why I'm only doing social media when it feels joyful. (which might not be as often). Short and sweet today friends. Happy weekend! AND here's my call to action for YOU, dear listener. When YOU find inspiration in your life, would you share it with me please? I found a cool widget that will let YOU record a voice memo to ME on my website. In under 90 seconds, tell me about someone who inspired you that you want to elevate and celebrate and I'll put it on a Friday Digest (assuming it's appropriate!) I can't wait to hear from you! Leave your message directly from my website or the use the link here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CreamCityDreamsSupport the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! Back on Friday with another Cream City Digest. This one short and sweet and hopefully a brief moment of respite for you on this autumn Friday (or whenever you're listening!) Shout outs this week to YOU dear listeners, to my husband, a to yoga teacher in town. PLUS a SURPRISE snippet from a listener who used the new widget on the website to record a message of something that inspired her this week. Listen to find out who it is! AND here's my call to action for YOU, dear listener. When YOU find inspiration in your life, would you share it with me please? I found a cool widget that will let YOU record a voice memo to ME on my website. In under 90 seconds, tell me about someone who inspired you that you want to elevate and celebrate and I'll put it on a Friday Digest (assuming it's appropriate!) I can't wait to hear from you! Leave your message directly from my website or the use the link here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CreamCityDreamsSupport the show

CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! It's back. The bite-sized nuggets are back. This time, I'm looking EVERYWHERE for inspiration, and when I find it, I'll share it here. It might be the guest from the episode this week, OR it might just be something I saw in the news, or something in some other facet of my life that I think is worth sharing. Like today, some gratitude for handwritten letters, teachers with brilliant ideas, and inspirational drawings. Since I mention them by name, you might want to go back and catch the episode's with Michael and with Sherrill. You won't be sorry! AND here's my call to action for YOU, dear listener. When YOU find inspiration in your life, would you share it with me please? I found a cool widget that will let YOU record a voice memo to ME on my website. In under 90 seconds, tell me about someone who inspired you that you want to elevate and celebrate and I'll put it on a Friday Digest (assuming it's appropriate!) I can't wait to hear from you! Leave your message directly from my website or the use the link here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CreamCityDreams Support the show

Tyler Asher and Brent Young are in the studio telling us about scooping for the Cream City sign!

John 6:24-35When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.”Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. There's no such thing as a free lunch, at least that's what we're told. But at a cafe just north of downtown Milwaukee, that's not quite true. In Sherman Park, a predominantly black neighborhood that struggles severely with poverty and obesity, sits one of the best lunch spots in all of Cream City. Sandwiched between an adult novelty shop and an abandoned storefront, Christie Melby-Gibbons was rather intentional when she chose to open up Tricklebee Cafe back in 2015. She wanted to be in a community where access to fresh, healthy, and delicious meals was desperately needed. When you walk in, the daily rotating menu is displayed on a hymn board. Then you order at the pulpit turned checkout counter. Next you grab a seat at one of the long pews and tables that fill the small space. Most of the ingredients are grown out back or rescued from local grocers. And the food, all of which is vegan, really is delicious! It was the best tikka masala soup I've ever had. But what really sets Tricklebee Cafe apart is that lunch really is free, if you need it to be. It is a pay-what-you-can cafe.They have a sign up front that explains the policy: “If your pockets are full, please give a bit more. If your pockets are light, pay what you can. And if your pockets are empty please eat and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal in exchange for 15-30 minutes of volunteer time. Thank you!” Christie, the founder and a pastor in the moravian tradition, says on average there are two people who come in for a free meal each day. And then they will volunteer in all sorts of ways: do dishes, pick up and take out the trash, or even chop vegetables for tomorrow's menu. Most of the meals are prepared not by chefs, but by volunteers, who don the title passionate cook.Mike Betette tells the story of how he found Tricklebee Cafe. He and his family left Los Angeles in 2016 for a new start in Milwaukee. But he didn't have a job and had a hard time finding one. Walking his new neighborhood, the smell and noise of Trickleebee Cafe lured him in. It was an oasis of joy, according to Mike, because the place was full of genuine smiles, good deeds, and authentic, messy community. He loved the food, but money was tight. So he started washing food, serving, bussing tables, and meeting people. The cafe, both the food and the community, made Mike feel so much better. He attributes Tricklebee for helping get him and his family in a better place. Now, many years later, he returns to the cafe, pays more than his fair share, not because he has to but because he's had a taste of the food that doesn't perish and wants others to have a taste, too.By providing great food to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, Tricklebee is doing a lot more than just feeding people. And that's what Jesus was doing too when he fed that crowd of 5,000 people last week, but that truth was missed.You see that same crowd that had their bellies full from a free lunch of fish and bread, woke up the next day feeling the familiar pains of hunger all over again. They began searching for Jesus and headed across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum in hopes of finding him. When they did, the crowd asked Jesus, “when did you come here?” In other words, “we didn't see you leave Jesus, are you avoiding us?”.Jesus is skeptical of the crowd and their reasons for following him. Not answering their question, he says: “your reasons for searching and finding me are all wrong. You've done the right thing for the wrong reason. You're hungry and you want another free lunch”. Can you blame the crowd? Who doesn't love a free lunch? More than that, this crowd knew Jesus had healed people who were sick; meaning he can cure and feed. What more would they need in life? And does it matter why the crowd was following Jesus, or just that they were following him? Apparently, motive matters for Jesus. So he tells the crowd, “don't work for food that will leave you hungry. Work for the food that will satisfy you forever.” Now that has piqued the crowd's interest, it sounds almost too good to be true. Food that always last, that always satisfies? It's like a free lunch everyday, better, even! Tell us, Jesus, what must we do to get this bread. Tell us what to do Jesus and we will do it, whatever it is. And then Jesus says “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent”. The work is to have faith. And that's about the last thing the crowd (or you and I) want to hear. Because it would be much easier, much more certain if Jesus just told the crowd what to do to earn faith. Or how much faith was going to cost. Everything has a price, no lunch is free right? So just tell us what to do Jesus and we'll do it, that's what the crowd says. But Jesus doesn't, because that's not how faith works. It's not something you can earn. You cannot make yourself have faith, as much as we would like. Luther puts it this way “I cannot by my own reason or strength believe, have faith in Jesus Christ, my Lord”. Look at the crowd. Just yesterday, they were fed from a few loaves and two fish. And even after that, they demanded Jesus perform another miracle, give out more free lunches, because maybe then they'd have faith.But faith isn't a work you do or a miracle you see. Faith is trust; trusting that Jesus is who he says he is (the bread of life) and does what he says he does (satisfies our deepest hunger and gives life to the world). Faith holds on to those promises as if your life depends on it, because it does. Which is why God doesn't leave it up to us. Faith comes to us, is given to us by the Holy Spirit as a gift. Completely free. Much like a meal at Tricklebee Cafe. Someone else did all the work and you are handed a delicious meal that nourishes more than your body. But you might say, “well people are encouraged to at least volunteer, they have to give something for that meal!” So too it must be with faith, we have to do something for the grace we receive. We have to love God and love our neighbor right? Well how's that going for you…? And if not that, then we have to pray the right prayer. But I think that's all backwards. We love God, we love our neighbors, we pray, we come to worship because of the faith that's been given us. Not the other way around.It's like the meal that someone gets at Tricklebee is so good, so delicious, so transformative that they want to give of their time and money. In fact, just like Mike, they want to do all they can (serve, do dishes, clean floors, pay extra) so that others experience the life changing meal they had. That, to me, is how faith works.These promises, these experiences of love and grace are so wonderful, so life changing, that we do all we can to share them with others, giving thanks to God who makes it all happen. And if you feel like you need more of that in your life, more faith I mean. If you have came here this morning with a hunger for hope that you can't seem to find in the world; If you are famished for forgiveness, if you are starved of spiritual sustenance, then do we have the meal for you right here at this table. The bread of life, broken and blessed, for you and for the sake of the world.So come and eat. Lunch is free. Amen

In Episode 3 of “Buy That Guitar,” presented by “Vintage Guitar” magazine, host Ram Tuli is joined by John Majdalani, co-owner of Cream City Music, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Their discussion keys on “sleeper” guitars; more than 10,000 models are listed in the “The Official Vintage Guitar Price Guide,” and 25 percent of them sell for less than $2,500. Which amongst them will keep climbing in value? Correction: Ram mentions “jacks” that were included with Fender's original American Vintage Reissue instruments. He intended to reference AVRI Switchcraft cords. Links: https://www.creamcitymusic.com Subscribe to our "Overdrive" newsletter for the latest happenings at Vintage Guitar magazine: https://www.vintageguitar.com/overdrive Please like, comment, and share this podcast!

Send us a Text Message.(If you send a text, be sure to leave your name in the message, otherwise it'll be anonymous!) On this very last Cream City Digest of Season 5, I've created a smorgasbord of advice from our Season 5 guests on what to do if you're sitting on a dream. It's the question I asked (almost) all the guests at the end of the show and I've put together their answers in one DREAMY compilation. If you are sitting on a dream, what are you waiting for? These guests will tell you why you ought'n't wait much longer. GO FOR IT! And if you know someone who's sitting on a dream, please share this episode! Perfect for recent graduates or anyone on the cusp! Show your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.(If you send a text, be sure to leave your name in the message, otherwise it'll be anonymous!) This week, a REAL question that I've wondered myself; one that has made ME nervous; and if I'm honest, has even stopped me from signing up to volunteer around election season (but NOT anymore!). What is it actually like to door-to-door canvas for a candidate? What do I say when someone opens the door? What if they challenge me?  How will I know how to respond. Kate shares her perspective on this experience and how it's not as awkward as you might think. Show your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.(If you send a text, be sure to leave your name in the message, otherwise it'll be anonymous!) On this week's Cream City Digest, I ask Erin a very specific question: what do I say to my kids who notice very real and structural differences as we drive across town. Whether you live in Milwaukee or not, her answer is universal, and you'll want to hear it!Show your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.(If you send a text, be sure to leave your name in the message, otherwise it'll be anonymous!) This week on the Digest I share the part of our conversation where DeShanda reminds us what it was like to be young, and what the young people she works with at Pathfinders REALLY want. (Hint: it's no different than what WE wanted WAY back when, or maybe not so WAY back). Short and sweet and under 9 minutes this week! Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.(If you send a text, be sure to leave your name in the message, otherwise it'll be anonymous!) Less than 10 minutes this week and I'm sharing some of my favorite 'snippets' from this week's episode with my dear friend Michael Anderson. (yes, the first man on the podcast!) Really these are just teasers because I HOPE you will go back and listen to the conversation in its entirety. If you have a trans friend, know a trans youth, or are just trans-curious, this is the episode for you! Show your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.(If you send a text, be sure to leave your name in the message, otherwise it'll be anonymous!) Another short and sweet Digest with Calie Herbst of MKE with Kids where she gives some SOLID advice on what it means to publish something Good Enough, and what it means to share with generosity. If you're sitting on a dream, you NEED to hear this advice. I know I did. Show your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.School's OUT for the summer … do you know what you're doing with the kids? Even if you don't have kids, this week's guest, Calie Herbst, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of MKE With Kids, has some GREAT ideas for ways to fill these long summer days. Calie started the website and blog MKE With Kids in 2013 when she was looking for ways to keep her own kiddos entertained and now TENS of thousands of families around the city have come to trust her site for up-to-date and dependable information on all things family-friendly in the Cream City. Locals and Links we love! Website:  https://www.mkewithkids.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MKEwithKidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MKEwithKidsShow your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.This part didn't make it into the full podcast because we had SO much to talk about ... but here on this Cream City Digest you'll hear Jen and Amanda's favorite things about the three different Urban Ecology Center Branches. Washington Park, Menomonee Valley and Riverside Park all have their own unique offerings and Jen and Amanda let us in on what they are. Show your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Connecting people in cities to nature and each other. That is the mission of the Urban Ecology Center. And this week, I talk with two dreamy women who are making REAL connections in our city's natural spaces. Executive Director, Jen Hense, and VP of People and Culture, Amanda Panciera, are working to ensure that nature is accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the Cream City. AND … as if that wasn't enough, they are working to create a dialogue - indeed a MOVEMENT - around what it means to work at a non-profit. Must stewards of the land, and of our communities accept low wages and minimal compensation as the price for a career in service to others? These women don't think so and they are working to change the narrative. Listen in and then JOIN them! Locals and Links we love! Website: https://www.urbanecologycenter.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanecologycenterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanecologycenter/Dan Palotta's TED TalkShow your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.BE KIND. It really is this simple, folks.  But this simple kindness could very well be life-saving. Literally suicide prevention. A lesson from Brenna Creamer at Courage MKE for us all on how we can be better allies to our LGBTQ+ youth. Show your love for Cream City DreamsIf you haven't already, be sure to follow Cream City Dreams on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter HERE.  And I'd LOVE it if you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're feeling especially generous, you can always Buy me a Coffee to help keep the lights on!Support the Show.

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, a short episode on the importance of paying attention to and FUNDING organization that work with mental health. Remember that keeping organizations like the African American Breastfeeding Network afloat can be as simple as donating diaper wipes. The statistics may feel (and they are) dire, but there's always work we can do as a collective society. Support the Show.