Making New Possible

 Making New Possible continues with Christine Hojnacki, Executive Director of Imagine MKE, who shares her vision for the future of arts and culture in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin.

Christine discusses the importance of strengthening public funding for arts and culture, bringing together community leaders and funders, and building a shared plan to support artists and cultural organizations. She also explores how arts and culture contribute to Wisconsin’s economy, attract talent, support education, and bring neighborhoods to life.

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about the power of arts and culture, the importance of community advocacy, and how individuals can help create a stronger future for Wisconsin’s creative sector.

Making New Possible continues with Anthony Cruz, President of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), for a conversation about student-first leadership, the future of higher education, and preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce. Anthony shares how his 20-year career in student affairs shaped his leadership philosophy and why keeping the student experience at the center of institutional decisions is essential.

He explores MATC’s peer mentoring program, the importance of building social capital for first-generation students, and new ways the college is connecting students with industry through professional mentorship and micro-internships. 

Anthony also discusses how advisory councils help ensure MATC’s curriculum reflects the evolving needs of local employers while giving students opportunities to explore career paths before committing years to a specific field.

With artificial intelligence reshaping industries and creating new workforce demands, Anthony explains why technical education remains critical, from integrating AI literacy into existing programs to preparing the skilled professionals needed to build and maintain the infrastructure behind emerging technology. Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about student-centered leadership, the evolving role of higher education, and what it takes to prepare the next generation for a changing world.

Making New Possible continues with Wyatt Tinder, CXO of NEWaukee, for a conversation about how the company has evolved—and why experience, trust, and human connection are more important than ever.

Wyatt explores the return of in-person experiences, the growing need for brands to build trust before purchase, and how NEWaukee is helping businesses navigate the credibility gap through its Brand Trust Quotient.

He also shares the principles behind NEWaukee’s approach to experience design, from engaging all the senses and rewarding curiosity to turning audiences into active participants and creating opportunities for genuine connection.

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about the future of marketing, the power of experiences, and what it takes to create meaningful moments in an increasingly digital world.

Making New Possible continues with Noel Kegel, entrepreneur and leader at Wheel & Sprocket, who shares the principles that have shaped his approach to business, leadership, and community.

Noel discusses the importance of being a good human being, running a business built on win-win relationships, and understanding the language of money. He also shares why investing in yourself, continuously improving, and treating people with kindness are essential to building a lasting business.

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, relationships, and what it really means to build a good business.

Making New Possible continues with Kurt Heikkinen, a serial entrepreneur and business leader who shares the lessons he’s learned from building and scaling high-growth companies, navigating uncertainty, and embracing the risks that come with entrepreneurship.

Kurt discusses the mindset required to pursue entrepreneurship, why identifying real customer pain points can lead to powerful business opportunities, and how founders can balance a strong product vision with disciplined execution. He also dives into fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, and the importance of maintaining objectivity when making high-stakes business decisions.

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about developing risk tolerance, building resilience through failure, creating authentic workplace cultures, and leading with purpose. Kurt shares why successful entrepreneurship isn't about avoiding uncertainty; it's about developing the confidence and perspective to move forward through it.

Making New Possible continues with Tony Lorino, founder of Throwback Nation, a digital media brand that has grown into one of the largest nostalgia-focused communities online by bringing people together through shared memories, music, pop culture, and stories from decades past.

What began as a passion for celebrating the past has evolved into a thriving business built on authentic audience connection. Tony shares how nostalgia creates meaningful engagement across generations, why community is at the center of every piece of content, and how staying true to a clear mission has fueled Throwback Nation's growth.

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about building a purpose-driven media brand, creating content that sparks emotion, and why looking back can be one of the most powerful ways to bring people together today.

Making New Possible continues with Greg Marcus, CEO of The Marcus Corporation, as he reflects on leading a 90-year-old family business through changing consumer behaviors, technological disruption, and the evolving role of in-person experiences.

From the enduring appeal of movie theaters to the importance of creating authentic local connections, Greg shares why human interaction remains at the heart of successful businesses. He also discusses the value of community stewardship, building resilient organizations, and leading with long-term thinking.

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about the future of entertainment, the power of place-based experiences, and the leadership principles that have helped The Marcus Corporation thrive for nearly a century.

Making New Possible continues with Angela Mallett, founder of Honeybee Sage Wellness, an herbal apothecary and tea café designed to be a healing hub for community, wellness, and connection. Rooted in her experiences with holistic healing and guided by a philosophy of love and care, Angela has created a space where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and feel supported.

Looking ahead, she shares her vision for expanding Honeybee Sage through social gardens and replicable community-centered wellness spaces, inspired by the pollinating nature of honeybees and a belief that healing resources should be accessible to everyone. 

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about professional spaceholding, honoring intuition, and building community-centered wellness experiences. Angela also shares her vision for expanding Honeybee Sage’s impact and making healing resources more accessible to underserved communities.

Making New Possible continues with Milwaukee-based wood artist Ike Wynter, whose work transforms discarded materials into striking pieces of art rooted in sustainability, storytelling, and optimism. Using only reclaimed wood found on the side of the road and refusing to paint or stain any piece, Ike has built a creative philosophy around limitations, proving that constraints can fuel originality.

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about building a creative career without a traditional roadmap, embracing experimentation, and finding meaning in the overlooked. Ike reflects on the moment a stranger bought one of his early pieces for $750, the years of posting content before gaining traction, and why viral moments matter far less than consistency and community.

The discussion also explores Milwaukee’s evolving creative identity, the power of documenting authentic process over polished perfection, and how intentional positivity online can become an act of leadership. Through his work and perspective, Ike shares why he sees himself as a “light-bearer” — using art not only to repurpose materials, but to restore faith in creativity, community, and humanity itself.

Making New Possible continues with Mark Meisner, Vice President of Marketing at Kwik Trip, who shares how the brand has transformed its marketing into a nimble, in-house operation built for speed and connection. At the core is a simple goal: build brand love, knowing that loyalty drives everything else.

Through authenticity, humor, and a willingness to trust his team,  especially younger voices on social, Kwik Trip has created content that resonates. From live event sponsorships to “money-can’t-buy” experiences, their approach focuses on real engagement, not just reach.

Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation that explores how strong operations bring the brand to life in-store and how convenience retail is evolving into a more food-forward, experience-driven space.