Keep it Wausome!

I've been excited for this one. William Harris is, as far as anyone can tell, Marathon County's first black elected official. But that's honestly the least interesting thing about Mr. Harris. Most elected officials take a term or two, or at least a year, to get their feet under them. William just hit the ground running and his efforts have already led to a ton of change. Thanks to him residents at Island Place, many who are elderly, now have a bus stop they can access. And the county thanks to William's efforts is seeking aid from the state that could mean the difference between being evicted and staying in their home. And did you know he went to Oxford?

William is one impressive fellow, and someone who chose to live in Wausau. It was an honor to sit down with him for a conversation.

Also, check out these Black History Month events William is working on - find his Facebook page for more details:

Black History Month:

Courageous Community Conversations

February 3rd, 2021 US History After the Transatlantic Slave Trade

February 10th, 2021 What is Racism Through a Trauma-Informed Lens?

February 17th, 2021 Why are We Still Talking About Racism?

February 24th, 2021 Racism and how it intersects with Black Women

Ashlie Montana Zeidler is not only an amazing yoga teacher, but, well, I just love the way she thinks! She's one of those people who I can run into and start chatting with, and suddenly realize an hour has gone by. I wanted to sit down with Ashlie to talk about fitness and the new year, and how to approach a changing year. I think you'll enjoy hearing from Ashlie as much as I always do! Her Etsy shop is called: AshZeidlerCreative

With all the fitness enthusiasm in the new year, I sit down with Melissa Rae Hartl, the member experience manager at Anytime Fitness, avid weightlifter and the lead vocalist of The Hartless! We talk about starting out on a fitness journey and best practices and also spend a lot of time talking about music too. I think you'll enjoy this episode! I sure did!

In this episode, Rebecca Tuley and Jahn Martin join me to talk about new developments in Wausau area mountain biking. We break some news on the podcast, from new trails under way to new, local ownership of a popular area mountain bike race. If you are interested in mountain biking and its growth in central Wisconsin, you will want to check out this episode!

Today's guest is Marty Cheyka. Marty is the founder of Whitehouse Studios, a music production studio just outside of Wausau. Marty and his wife Shelby had a record contract with a major label studio and worked under Timbaland but through a series of unfortunate events came back to Wausau and now are major players in the music scene here.

I've interviewed him twice now - once for City Pages and now for this podcast — and I've really enjoyed talking with him. I hope you enjoy this conversation too!

It's our 40th episode! And I've got a great one for you: my former boss, and founder of City Pages, Tammy Stezenski! Tammy defied the odds in 1993 starting a brand new, weekly alternative newspaper in Wausau, where many thought was impossible in such a small city. Tammy proved otherwise and ran City Pages until this year when she finally sold it. We talk about the challenges of quitting to start a small business, some sexism early on and some tips for young entrepreneurs going into business now. You really don't want to miss this one folks! This is possibly my favorite episode of the podcast so far; definitely top 5!

In this special podcast I sit down with Eric Giordano, executive director of the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service and my former Political Science Professor. I've always respected and admired Eric and learned a ton from him in his class. We're both fiercely independent and loyal to no party, so I thought him the perfect person to analyze these elections. He did not disappoint! You might agree or disagree, but at the least it will make you think.

Folks, I've never learned more in a podcast about entrepreneurship than in this sit down with Eric Thomas. Eric owners multiple businesses such as LIFT gyms, Echoscapes metal sculpture, supplement company NFP Gear and 180 Cuts Market with his wife, a cafe in the Rib Mountain Lift that is open to the public and specializes in health meals. We talk about the necessity of pushing through failure in business, of learning from all of those who have been doing it longer than you, dealing with criticism and pushing through when things seem tough. Early on we get some nutrition advice from Eric too. This podcast was a lot of fun and I learned a lot!

My guest today is Lora Bladow - she is a real estate rock star in our area, one of my favorite sources of information in the real estate realm in our area, and I wanted to find out how she got started. I call her a superstar because she hasn’t been afraid to put herself out there on social media in a very authentic way, and I think it’s a reason for her success.

Trevor Roark is the founder of the bicycle-based company Curbwise, which specializes in bicycle delivery for businesses - a nice thing during the pandemic. Trevor used to run UWSP Adventure Tours prior to COVID, and his travel adventures have been featured in City Pages. And, you might know him from his time in regional Irish band Green Tea! Give it up for my good pal Trevor Roark!