BEAR Discussions

BEAR Discussions

By CEDC PodcastsBusiness
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BEAR Discussions episodes

  • "Learning to Say No" - Kelli Cook – Episode 613
    Host Charlie Walker sits down with Kelli Cook, founder of The Yoga Plant in Chippewa Falls, to talk about how saying yes to everything led to burnout—and how learning to say no transformed her energy, her business, and the community she serves.
    24 min
  • "Keep Your Eye On The Target" – David Epstein – Episode 612
    Tune in to this episode with host Charlie Walker and cohost Ken Pearson of Jackson County Economic Development & Tourism for a conversation with David Epstein, recorded in Jackson County.

    Listen as owner of Mosser Lee, David Epstein shares insights on real-world challenges and opportunities in rural communities, and how treating your employees well can go a long way toward building strong, successful organizations and regions.



    29 min
  • "Opportunity, Not Opposition" – Maggi Thorne – Episode 611
    Nine‑time American Ninja Warrior and entrepreneur Maggi Thorne joins host Charlie Walker and co‑host John Gatto  to share how she learned to see every setback as opportunity, not opposition. From starting as a custodian to managing multi‑million‑dollar projects and stepping onto the American Ninja Warrior stage, Maggi unpacks the mindset, resilience, and faith it takes to keep moving forward when success comes with problems attached.
    39 min
  • "Building Momentum" – Steve Jahn – Episode 610
    In this episode of the CEDC Bear Discussions podcast, Charlie Walker sits down with Momentum West Executive Director Steve Jahn to discuss the power of partnerships in economic development.  Learn how collaboration among communities, businesses, educators, and economic development organizations has helped make Western Wisconsin a thriving place to live, work, and invest.
    27 min
  • "Cultivating Purpose: Vets, Vines & Vision" - Wisconsin Veterans Farm & Winery - Episode 609
    Join hosts Charlie Walker and cohost Ron Haas, President of the Stanley Chamber of Commerce, on the BEAR Discussions Podcast as they sit down with retired U.S. Army veteran Dan Osborn, owner of Wisconsin Veterans Farm & Winery in Cornell, Wisconsin. Tune in to hear his journey from military service to building a unique agritourism and winery business rooted in purpose, community, and veteran empowerment right here in Chippewa County.
    43 min
  • "Underground to Unstoppable" - Mag Stainless - Episode 608
    Join hosts Charlie and Lisa on the Bear Podcast as they interview Matt and Shawna Gwiazda, owners of Mag Stainless in Cadott, Wisconsin. Tune in to hear their journey building a nationally recognized stainless steel fabrication company right here in Chippewa County.
    32 min
  • "People-First Manufacturing" - Nick Ford - Episode 606
    Host Charlie Walker is joined by Nick Ford from UW–Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center for a conversation about supporting small and mid-size manufacturers in western Wisconsin. They explore lean and TWI-based training, process improvement, AI in manufacturing, workforce development, and safety strategies that help manufacturers operate more efficiently and stay competitive.





    34 min
  • "Roofs, Risk, and Old Boys" - Joe Roshell– Episode 605
    Joe Roshell of Orion Defense Systems joins BEAR Discussions to share how “old boys” mentoring, smart partnerships, and steady learning helped him build a growing commercial roof-coatings business through volatile early years, talent challenges, and rapid innovation in both coatings and AI-driven marketing
    24 min

About BEAR Discussions

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Whether you are a local business leader, founder, economic developer, or curious community member, you will find thoughtful dialogue and practical takeaways on building stronger, more resilient…