365 Amplified

In this episode of 365 Amplified, hosts Stephanie Díaz De Le.on, Rodlyn-mae Banting, Omar Waheed, and Rob Chappell cover a range of timely topics and impactful stories from around the community:

• AOC’s Madison Rally: Omar shares his experience attending Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s rally in support of the Harris-Walz campaign as part of the Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour. He provides insights on the rally’s themes, the crowd’s energy, and the significance of AOC’s visit to the Midwest.

• Remembering Lucia Nuñez: The team reflects on the legacy of Lucia Nuñez, a prominent Madison community leader who passed away this week. 

• Spotlight on Local Events and Leaders: The hosts highlight the reopening of St. Vincent de Paul’s remodeled space on Willy Street and discuss Madison College’s search for a new president, introducing the top three candidates. They also delve into the appointment of Ian Carter as the new co-director of the “Own It: Building Black Wealth” initiative, aimed at promoting generational wealth and homeownership in Madison’s Black communities.

• Interview with Romey, Milwaukee Hip-Hop Artist: Rob sits down with Milwaukee’s own Romey, creator of the Milwaukee Brewers’ new anthem, “Brew Crew.” Romey discusses his career, his roots in both Madison and Milwaukee, and the journey that led him to create music that resonates with Wisconsin sports fans. He also shares what’s next for him, including new music and a book focusing on financial literacy and generational wealth.

• Upcoming Content and Community News: The hosts share a sneak peek into next week’s list of the Most Influential Latino Leaders in Wisconsin, highlighting the diversity of influence and leadership across the state.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on community, leadership, music, and local events that shape the Madison and greater Wisconsin community.

Links and References:

• Read more about St. Vinnie's newly remodeled headquarters here.

• For more on Ian Carter and the “Own It: Building Black Wealth” initiative, check out the article here.

• Learn more about the finalists to be Madison College's new president here.

• Read Omar's recap of AOC's Madison rally here.

• Listen to Romey’s new single “Brew Crew” on all major streaming platforms. Follow Romey on Instagram and YouTube.

• Support local journalism at Madison365.org/donate.

This week, Stephanie Díaz De León, Rodlyn-mae Banting, Omar Waheed and Rob Chappell discuss a range of topics that capture the pulse of Wisconsin's political and cultural landscape this week:

- Kamala Harris Rally in Madison: The Vice President's visit to the Alliant Energy Center drew over 10,000 attendees. The hosts discuss the highlights of the rally, Harris’s policy priorities, and what her visit means for the upcoming election season.

- Discipline Over Campus Protests: Omar shares insights into the fallout from recent student protests at the University of Wisconsin. Two students are facing disciplinary charges based on an op-ed they wrote, sparking a discussion about free speech, university policies, and the broader implications for student activism.

- Local Governance Drama: The mayor of Wausau stirred controversy by removing a ballot drop box, an action that has raised questions about the legality and ethics of his decision. The team weighs in on the potential impact on local elections and what it means for communities of color.

- Midwest Photography Festival: Rodlyn-mae interviews Kris Graves, a renowned photographer and judge at the upcoming 13th biennial PhotoMidwest Festival. They discuss his experiences capturing race and activism through photography and the unique lens of Midwest photographers showcased at the festival.

- Green Flags in Relationships and Leadership: To wrap up, the team shares a light-hearted discussion on “green flags”—the positive traits in people that signal compatibility and trustworthiness.

Tune in for a blend of political analysis, cultural events, and thought-provoking conversations that give you a front-row seat to what’s happening in Wisconsin and beyond.

Links:

Wausua mayor removes ballot dropbox, drawing sharp rebuke from citizens & local leaders

Two students will face disciplinary hearings for alleged involvement at UW’s encampment

The activist lens: A Q&A with photographer and curator Kris Graves

On the show today, we preview the VP's visit to Madison and a handful of events coming up this weekend and next. Then, Renuka Mayadev joins to talk about what it'll mean when she becomes the first South Asian person in the Wisconsin State Assembly, as well as her background and priorities and the shifting landscape of the Legislature.

Today's episode is sponsored by Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.

Stories mentioned in today's show:

“Unapologetically creative:” Black on State Block Party set for this weekend

Centro Hispano’s El Mercadito returns for 10th season in a new location

Now in its 16th year, Black Women’s Wellness Day continues to grow

On the podcast today, the team talks through their reactions to the presidential debate and previews a long list of events happening this weekend. Then, sprinter and Wisconsin native Kenny Bednarek, who's won silver in the 200 meter dash in the last two Olympics along with many titles and accolades on the world stage, joins to talk about the Olympic experience, going the Junior College route to become a professional athlete, growing up in a mixed-race family and a mostly white town, and much more. 

LINKS:

Mentor and Motivational Speaker Brandon Williams to Return as Host, MC of 365 Leadership Summit

N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival celebrates the diverse communities of Northeast Wisconsin

Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development, PBS Wisconsin to host a special screening of “Profe”

Casa Hispana’s Latino Fest returns to Appleton with a marathon and festival to celebrate Latino heritage 

Rob and Stephanie are back! After a bit of a reflection on their trip to England -- including a bit of Rob's diaspora story -- we touch on the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association's new Wisconsin Wellness program and artist Steven Kennedy's exhibit at Madison libraries. Then, former Lt. Gov and US Senate candidate Mandela Barnes joins us to talk about his first IronMan Triathlon, coming up Sunday, and how the endurance training compares to campaigning.

LINKS:

Nominate for Community Choice Awards

​​Indigenous advocates come to state Capitol to push for medical cannabis reform in Wisconsin

Q&A with cartographer Stephen Kennedy, founder of LatLong.Shop

IronMandela: Former Lt. Gov. brings campaign ethic to endurance race in his first IronMan Triathlon Sunday

This year marks 100 since Native Americans were allowed to vote in federal elections. Even a century later, there are still barriers that disenfranchise many of them. Wisconsin Native Vote, a program of Wisconsin Conservation Voices, is working to motivate Indigenous people to vote, and help them overcome obstacles to voting. Today, Anne Eagan-Waukau and Anjalie Bhisan join us to talk about those obstacles, what's being done to overcome them, and what it means to say, "Sgovoteden!"

Today's episode is sponsored by Steinhafels.

The Wisconsin Diverse Entreprise Network is a new platform designed to help big businesses find great vendors and help small businesses land big contracts. Beyond that, it offers mentorship and technical assistance to startups and small businesses across the state. A joint effort of the Ethnic and Diverse Business Coaltion (EDBC) and the New North, WiDEN hopes to have 1,000 businesses on the platform by the end of the year. Today, on a special episode of 365 Amplified, we talk to Marjorie Rucker of the EDBC and Glossy Bird Management owner Stephanie Comer. Her business has benefitted from WiDEN and she's a member of the outreach team about the platform, how it works and how you can get involved.

Learn more by visiting www.widen.biz or calling 888-510-9109.

On the podcast this week, we talk through the Tuesday primary results and how race and systems might have played out in the results. Then we talk with Rodlyn-mae Banting about her feature on how creative writers out together careers -- however unstable and nomadic those careers are. Then, County Board candidate Dana Pellebon joins the show to talk about what she's hearing on the campaign trail, the contrast on the ballot in November and what she sees as inequities in the process.

Today's episode is sponsored by American Players Theater.

Rodlyn-mae's feature on the creative writing career is here.

Donate to Madison365 here.

Stephanie is back! She joins Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed & Rodlyn-mae Banting to chat about Black Restaurant Week, Midwest Dad Energy, and the two constitutional amendments on the ballot next week. Speaking of which, Kathleen Fullin from the League of Women Voters of Dane County joins to dispel any misconceptions about the latest rules around voting, and let us know exactly what's on the ballot next week, how you can participate in the election, and why you should trust the results.

More info on Black Restaurant Week here: https://blueprint365.org/featured/madison-black-restaurant-week-begins-sunday/

How the referenda could affect child care: https://madison365.com/constitutional-amendment-questions-on-wisconsins-august-ballot-could-affect-child-care-providers-warn/

Today, Rob, Omar & Rodlyn-mae preview the Briarpatch art fair, ask whether the National Association of Black Journalists should have hosted Donald Trump, note some Wisconsinites competing in the Olympics, and announce the beginning of Madison365's Midsummer Membership Drive. Plus, the 25th Anniversary Season of Dane Dances gets underway tonight! Board Chair Al Cooper stops by the studio to give a preview of the next five Friday nights downtown Madison. 

LINKS mentioned in the show:

Dane Dances website

Donate to the Madison365 Midsummer Membership Drive