Experience Milwaukee

What do you get when you mix ambition, passion, and a take-action 16 year old? An organization that sets out to give young people a chance to experience and explore the arts! Adam and Steve have a great conversation with their new friend, Contessa Lobley, Executive Director and Founder of the East Side's TBEY Arts Center. Contessa, or Tessa as her friends call her, shares stories on what inspired her to start a company at 16, what the organization does, where it's going, and how you can get involved to support the mission (hint, hint: https://tbey.org). 

You might think this episode is only for the whiskey lovers. That's only half true. If you like people who make things (or are one) and their stories to bring their creations to life, this episode is for you, whether you like whiskey or not! Why did we go to Evanston, IL? And why does FEW Spirits (and founder Paul Hletko) absolutely love Milwaukee so much? Jump in as Adam and Steve learn more about that, Paul's favorite FEW, his thoughts on supper clubs and old fashioneds, where the industry is headed, why supporting small businesses matters, and more as FEW celebrates 10 years!!

How can ice cream save a life? You'll have to listen to find out. Join Adam and Steve and their new BFFs Justin Povlick and Dusty Garley, two of the owners at Scratch Ice Cream, for another great Milwaukee story. Get the scoop (ha ha) on how Scratch got started in the back of a frozen yogurt shop, how the company pays attention to the details, and how to get your hands on this fantastic ice cream!

This might sound like a complicated episode, but it's really not. Jump in with Adam and Steve as they catch up with washbnb founder and CEO Daniel Cruz while getting an Airbnb perspective of the city from Cream City Stays founder John Kroeger. What will you get from this one besides some serious laughs? Daniel's perspective on the washbnb business through a pandemic and entering a crowdfunding raise. And how John infuses local artists and local experiences within his Airbnbs. Maybe a bit on skid marks. Anyway, here are some reference links from the episode: www.washbnb.com, www.creamcityexecutivestays.com, https://wefunder.com/washbnb.

Adam is on vacation so Steve goes solo on this one. In honor of Milwaukee Day, April 14 (414, Milwaukee's main area code), the team thought it'd be fun to learn more about the inception of the day that celebrates the city. Steve is joined by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Day co-founders Andy Silverman and Mocha Harris, Milwaukee Downtown CEO Beth Weirick, and more than 20 Milwaukeeans who emotionally share what the city means to them. 

In this East Side neighborhood feature episode, Adam and Steve get to know more about Triciclo Peru, including how to properly pronounce the name! Joined by the restaurant's owner, Amy Narr, you too can learn more about her background in the Pease Corps and Peru and back to Milwaukee as an entrepreneur. You can find Triciclo Peru everywhere in the city and specifically at the Crossroads Collective on the East Side. Take a listen and get more info on the inspiration behind the menu and the restaurant, their upcoming beer garden tour, and *breaking news*! Also, Steve's admission that he needs better friends.

This is exactly the episode you'd expect after several drinks. And what better day to publish it than April Fool's Day?!? If you were in Milwaukee in your 20's in the 90's, you'll love this one. And if you weren't, you'll still love the laughs and mayhem (also, please share this with someone who was)! Adam and Steve welcome Molly Snyder, senior writer at OnMilwaukee.com. Good times. From shower beers to cream puff championships to the bars, malls, movie theaters, and times we remember (or don't) on Milwaukee's East Side, this laid back conversation is sure to brighten and lighten your day! NOTE: This a more explicit episode than our others. Probably don't want the kids to listen.

After 5 years, Milwaukee Makers Market founder, curator, and organizer Ryan Laessig still works tirelessly to keep the events fresh and exciting. Consider that goal accomplished. This week, Adam and Steve learn more about what's in store for the 2021 Milwaukee Makers Market season, how it supports local, small businesses (who make what they sell btw), and what you can expect from this year's events. Whether you're looking for a family friendly activity, or want to have some fun with friends (mimosa in hand), you should check out the Milwaukee Makers Market. It's always FREE to get in and you'll definitely find something for yourself or someone else, made by neighbors. Learn more and get the full schedule at www.milwaukeemakersmarket.com.

This is an episode for the future. Or from the past. Or something like that. Anyway, enjoy this fun conversation that Adam and Steve have with former journalist for the Milwaukee Business Journal and Wisconsin Inno, Nick Williams. Learn about what brought him to Milwaukee while getting super insightful perspective on the city's tech and innovation scene, including how others see it. You don't have to be "midwest nice" or a startup founder to enjoy this episode, it's for anyone who loves Milwaukee. Oh, and follow Nick's next journey by connecting with him on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nickwilliamswi

In this episode, Adam and Steve learn all about Thum from owner Darleen Vanmanivong. Her passion and love for food is inspiring. Located in Crossroads Collective in Milwaukee's welcoming East Side neighborhood, Thum launched in the middle of the pandemic and is doing so well that Darleen recently committed to another two years. Learn more about how she and Thum got started, what family meal means, what to pair with Thum dishes, and some secret hidden Milwaukee gems to experience.