Lean Local

Jim Schmitt welcomes Jessica Adams from Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit investigative journalism organization based here in Wisconsin.

Jessica shares how Wisconsin Watch operates differently from traditional newsrooms. Rather than focusing on daily breaking news, the organization works to provide in-depth, missing coverage that often doesn’t find space in larger media networks. Funded through independent investment, their mission centers on strengthening journalism and filling important gaps in public understanding.

Jim Schmitt and Jessica Adams

The conversation also explores the role of journalism in civic life. Jessica discusses how Wisconsin Watch educates and empowers everyday citizens and why this is important for our community today.

Jim Schmitt sits down with Mark Becker for a casual, wide-ranging conversation about work, politics, and the paths people take to create change.

The discussion covers what each of them is focused on professionally, the issues they care most about in politics, and how they think progress actually happens—on the ground, over time, and through sustained effort. Rather than diving into policy specifics, the episode centers on motivation, values, and the realities of getting from ideas to action.

It’s an informal but thoughtful exchange about where things stand today and where they’re trying to go next.

This week on Lean Local, the conversation focuses on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—the nonprofit organizations formed in the late 1990s that help shape some of Green Bay’s most active commercial areas.

The show first welcomes Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director of Downtown Green Bay, Inc., followed by Brian Johnson from On Broadway across the Fox River. Together, they discuss what BID districts are, how they support local businesses, and the role they play in economic development and community growth.

Jim Schmitt and Jeff Mirkes

Listeners will also hear about what’s ahead for these organizations, including early discussions around plans and priorities for 2026. It’s an informative look at how these nonprofit districts operate behind the scenes and influence the neighborhoods many residents visit every day.

Jim Schmitt and Brian Johnson

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt welcomes Ken and Lauren Dombrowski from Love Your Life Hypnosis for a conversation about stress, habits, and what it really takes to make lasting change.

Ken shares how his life took an unexpected turn after years as a successful general contractor, when illness led him to search across the U.S. and South America for answers—only to discover that unresolved childhood trauma was at the root of his symptoms. Lauren explains that many people come in looking to fix surface-level habits, like smoking or nail biting, but those behaviors are often signs of something deeper.

Together, they discuss how life coaching and hypnosis work together as tools to address the underlying causes of stress and anxiety, why so many New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-January, and what it means to truly change from the inside out.

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt is joined by Rod Goldhahn, Secretary of the Brown County Taxpayers Association, to discuss local taxes, government spending, and citizen involvement.

Rod explains the association’s role in educating residents about public finances and encouraging participation in local government—especially as many local races continue to run unopposed. The conversation also examines rising budgets, personal accountability in public spending, and what it takes to reduce taxes at the local level.

Jim and Rod also revisit the 1997 county sales tax originally approved to fund a new Packers stadium, a measure voters were told would eventually sunset but remains in place today. The episode outlines how the Taxpayers Association challenged the issue through public meetings, proposed referendums, and ultimately the court system.

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt welcomes Mayor Eric Genrich for a citywide checkup covering some of Green Bay’s biggest ongoing stories.

The discussion begins with election season, as 109 local positions are now open for candidates. The mayor and Jim review what it takes to get on the ballot and why so many seats still go uncontested, raising questions about civic participation at the local level.

The conversation then shifts to city development projects, including updates on the coal pile redevelopment site and the proposed USL soccer stadium planned for Green Bay. Mayor Genrich shares new details on both efforts and their progress.

The show also touches on housing developments now in motion across the city, including projects offering both market-rate and higher-end residential options. Listeners will hear what stages these initiatives are in and what they could mean for Green Bay’s neighborhoods in the coming years.

It’s a broad and informative conversation about where the city stands today, and where it’s heading next.

Tune in Sunday at 7 a.m. on 97.9 FM, or listen anytime on the Civic Media app, Spotify, or Apple Music.

In Green Bay, 67% of local elections run unopposed. A statistic that raises real questions about civic engagement and accountability. When candidates stop competing, ideas stop competing too.

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt brings together two voices who know the election process inside and out: Pat Moynihan from the Brown County Clerk’s Office and Celestine Jeffreys, the City Clerk of Green Bay, appointed by Mayor Genrich. Together, they discuss why so few residents step forward to run, what risks emerge when elections go uncontested, and how both offices work to ensure fair and transparent local governance.

The conversation also explores the differences between city and county election roles, how Green Bay’s structure compares to surrounding areas, and what everyday citizens can do to get involved or even run for office themselves.

It’s an important discussion about participation, accountability, and why strong competition is vital for a healthy democracy.

Tune in Sunday at 7 a.m. on 97.9 FM, or listen anytime on the Civic Media app, Spotify, or Apple Music.

In this episode of Lean Local, hosted by former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, the focus is on local issues including a new project designed to combat homelessness. Schmidt interviews Terri Refsguard, CEO of the new Community Shelter in Green Bay, who discusses their recent groundbreaking for 41 supportive housing apartments aimed at providing permanent housing for those who have completed transitional programs. The show also highlights the contributions of sponsors like Nicolet Bank and Pella Windows and Doors of Wisconsin, emphasizing their roles in supporting community initiatives. Additionally, the Community Meal Program, which feeds nearly 187 people nightly, is discussed as a vital part of the shelter’s services. The episode concludes with a brief mention of upcoming local activities in Green Bay.

Jim Schmitt welcomes John Woodhead of Woodhead Insurance to unpack what open enrollment really means for families in Green Bay. John explains how the Affordable Care Act bases financial assistance on income—the lower your income, the cheaper your plan becomes—but notes those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year.

The conversation also looks at why medical bills are so high, how hospitals set inflated rates for negotiation, and what options exist for people approaching Medicare eligibility. John outlines how most can qualify at age 65 and even deduct premiums directly from their Social Security checks, which can lead to major savings.

For anyone wondering whether they’re on the right plan, John’s advice is simple: talk to a local insurance agent who knows which hospitals and providers are covered in your area, or use Medicare.gov to double-check that your doctors and prescriptions are included.

Tune in Sundays at 7 a.m. on 97.9 FM, or stream anytime on the Civic Media app, Spotify, or Apple Music.

Every day, around 170,000 people die worldwide and most families are left making emotional, high-pressure decisions in their hardest moments.

This week on Lean Local with Jim Schmitt, guests Alyssa Nelson and Dana Schmitt from Newcomer Funeral Home join the show to discuss the value of funeral pre-planning—and how it gives people the opportunity to craft a meaningful, memorable farewell for those they love.

From the 88 decisions involved to the emotional relief it brings, this episode explores how preparation turns loss into legacy.