The Feed My People organization is nothing without theeffort and passion of its volunteers. This year’s Volunteer of the Year, Becky Wood and we learn about her on this latest episode. She serves as a community engagement lead and one of the organizers for the  Empty Bowls fundraiser.  What drew her to volunteering with Feed My People initially in 2024.

She gives her pitch why you should give back to thecommunity.

Previews this year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser

And tells us about some of her favorite places to eat intown and an interesting debate on what chili is.

#giveback #hungerinsecurity #combathunger #eauclaire#eauclairepodcast #wisconsinpodcast #community #love #joy #passion#volunteering

Since starting in 2002 as a pamphlet promoting live entertainment in the area, VolumeOne has grown into multi-pronged entity sharing stories and creating content in the area. Managing Editor McKenna Scherer and Media Strategy Director Jake Smith discuss storytelling, community connection and what goes into highlighting the people events and businesses that make our area unique.

In the process, what can local businesses do to get their own story out there?

#eauclaire #localmedia #wisconsinmedia #buildingabrand #chippewavalley #localmarketing #smallbusinessmarketing

The season finale of the Sports Watch has Scott giving some musings on the start of a new Eau Claire Express season, reprimands a local beer-league football team that took an unnecessary shot and goes UP AND IN at local travel ball culture (and why its ultimately killing spectator sports).

#eauclairewi #localpodcast #eauclaireexpress #northwoodsleague #travelball #kidssports

Its a toe-taping good time in a bucolic setting with the Blue Ox Music Festival and Campout in the Pines this summer in Eau Claire. These events bring a bluegrass and Americana genre to the area's line-up of summer music events. Blue Ox has been a staple since 2015 with Campout in the Pines going on its second year. Organizer Mark Bischel, who doesn't hide his genuine passion for bluegrass, discusses how the Pines Music Park venue with its trees and water create a space that is intimate even for 5,000 spectators. We also hear how organizers focus on making the events a true vacation that is accessible with short walks and clean amenities and led to slow and steady growth.

If money has ever made you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In this donut hole, the hosts discuss why financial situations can feel emotional and how reaching out for guidance and taking small steps can help you feel more in control.

#moneyadvice #mycredit #creditscore #eauclaire #financialadvice #wisconsinmoney #podcast #eauclairepodcast

A staple of Chippewa Falls for years was the “old Root BeerStand” and that site has received rejuvenated life the last couple of years thanks to Ana and Rob Fish.  They joinScott and Mike to discuss “Dave’s Drive In” while enjoying some tasty beverages.

They are readying for their second year in operation after having a “soft opening” in year #1.

What possessed them to purchase a site that had been dormant for three decades, and the adventure bringing it back to vibrancy? The fact that the “dream” was the easy part and how they persevered through highs and lows.

Society has a fascination with extreme crime and that draw is a reason why the Pablo Center recently SOLD OUTa unique event.  Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bohn, was an opportunity for hundreds to digest the lessons from  a criminologist. Dr. Bohn studies serial killers, gaining insight not only into the reasons why they committed these crimes but also how the media came to portray them as celebrity monsters.

Kathy Wright chats with Dr. Bohn about his career research, giving us a small sample of what the audience comes away from the presentation with.

#truecrime #serialkillers #crimepodcast #liveevents#livemusic #localentertainment #pablocenter #podcastrecommendation  #supportlocalmusic  

The brand of a business is intricate to their overallsuccess, and that is the expertise of Beth Meierstein. She is a 26 year veteran at FirstNet Impressions, helping to create logos, websites and overall “looks” for companies of all sizes in the Chippewa Valley.   What comes first, the logo or the brand?  What are things owners need to think about asthey begin to create a brand?  How does someone build a timeless brand that will stand the test of time?

And after all these years, what still excites her to workwith local businesses?

#logodesign #brandidentity #logoinspiration #smallbusinessbranding #marketing design #branding #eauclaire #eauclairepodcast

The cost, and honestly the value, of healthcare has been problematic for many.  Dr. Karley Scoles is the owner at FortisDirect Primary Care in the Chippewa Valley and she comes on this episode to discuss her direct-pay practice.  Sheexplains what direct-pay medical care is, why she left the traditional healthcare model and the benefits both patients AND providers are finding with the increase in practices like these.

This is still traditional medicine, but with a different payment structure.

She also shares insight into the important habits she encourages all of her patients to follow to increase their health. From physical activities to food choices.

They also touch on the legal angle of healthcare, including touchy topics like medical decisions.

#directprimarycare #directpayhealthcare #healthcarepodcast #eauclairewi #chippewavalley #wisconsinpodcast #primarycare #affordablehealthcare

The spotlight shines on the incredible impact of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, with director Jill Herriges and board member Craig Toycen stoppingby. The organization is celebrating its 25th year of existence. From supporting meaningful projects to connecting donors with causes that matter, they are a driving force for positive change in Chippewa. We learn how they differ from a typical charity. Some examples of the impact they’ve had locally. Howpeople can get involved?

#northernwisconsinstatefair #chippewafallswi #supportlocal#giveback #makingadifference