CONNECTIONS: The Podcast

What happens when a child doesn't have a single book to call their own? In this episode of CONNECTIONS, our host Tom Luljak sits down with Rotarian Jenna Renno, Executive Director of Bernie's Book Bank of Greater Milwaukee, to explore how putting books directly into the hands of children can help build a lifelong love of reading. Jenna also shares how the organization provides children with eight free books each year, its plans to reach 70,000 children across the Milwaukee area, and why collaboration, volunteers and community support are essential to improving literacy. Listen or watch CONNECTIONS wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube on the Rotary website.

In this episode of CONNECTIONS, our host Tom Luljak sits down with Dan Nelson Jr., President and CEO of Nelson Schmidt Inc. to discuss his role with Rotary's Maritime Committee and the work that goes into bringing Live @ the Lakefront to the Milwaukee community each year. Dan also shares insights from his career in marketing and communications, the evolution of the industry, and how his background in biology and psychology has influenced his approach to understanding consumers and their decision-making.

Check out the latest episode of CONNECTIONS, as our host Tom Luljak sits down with our longtime Executive Director Mary McCormick as she reflects on her 25 years of leadership with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. Mary discusses the member-driven initiatives that have transformed Milwaukee, the growth of the Club's scholarship and international service efforts, and the leadership philosophy that guided her throughout her 25-year career. You can listen to CONNECTIONS wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, on the Rotary website, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.

Introducing CONNECTIONS - Media Edition, a podcast from the downtown Rotary Club of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Press Club that explores how local journalists and media organizations are adapting to today's rapidly changing media landscape. Through conversations with reporters, editors, and community leaders, the show examines how newsrooms are covering Milwaukee's neighborhoods, building trust with residents, and addressing issues impacting local communities. Each episode offers an inside look at the challenges, innovations, and civic importance of community-focused journalism.

In this special first episode of CONNECTIONS - Media Edition, hosts Tom Luljak and Maredithe Meyer speak with Kynala Phillips of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Ron Smith of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service about the evolving role of neighborhood journalism in Milwaukee. They explore how both organizations are building trust within communities, expanding coverage of historically underrepresented neighborhoods, and creating more community-centered approaches to local news reporting.

In this episode of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Luljak talks with JoAnne Anton, President and CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies, about her remarkable career in public service and community impact. JoAnne reflects on her longtime partnership with Herb Kohl, sharing stories about his commitment to service, education, and the people of Wisconsin. She also discusses her path from Milwaukee's family dry-cleaning business to leadership in philanthropy and the lasting impact of Kohl's legacy across the state.

On this episode of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Luljak sits down with fellow Rotarian Jerry Stepaniak and Marquette University student Laura Johnson about Rotary Club of Milwaukee's partnership bringing clean water to communities in Guatemala.

They share how hands-on collaboration is transforming lives abroad while shaping the next generation of civic-minded engineers. You'll hear inspiring stories from the field and see how Milwaukee leaders and students are making a real difference together.

Listen to the conversation on CONNECTIONS wherever you get your podcasts—including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Rotary website.

In this special episode of CONNECTIONS, Milwaukee Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis, RCM Executive Director, Mary McCormick, and polio survivor Kristine Hinrichs discuss Rotary's decades-long fight to eradicate polio. They share personal stories, global progress, and the ongoing efforts to protect millions of children worldwide ahead of World Polio Day on October 24th. Listen to the conversation on CONNECTIONS wherever you get your podcasts—including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Rotary website.

On this edition of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Luljak sits down with three young and ambitious Rotarians who are shaping the future of Milwaukee: Paige Radke of UMB Wealth Management, Antoine Carter of the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, and Carol Alexander Barnes of KCB Buildings LLC.

They share their perspectives as up-and-coming leaders, offering insight into how the next generation of Rotarians is making an impact in their professions, their community, and within the club.

On this edition of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Luljak shines a light on the good work of fellow Rotarian Ian Abston and Michael Hostad…two of the people who are the driving force behind lighting the Daniel Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee. We'll hear about the impact Lighting the Hoan has had on Milwaukee's image around the world…and how it has affected the way Milwaukeans themselves feel about their home town.