Episode 20:  Ben Jarvis's Courageous Journey

Last November, we had the privilege of celebrating Ben Jarvis as he was recognized as the 2024 TMJ4 Positively Milwaukee Inspiring Veteran. During that initial feature, we highlighted his remarkable accomplishments and tireless volunteer work advocating for veteran mental health and suicide prevention—causes that have become central to his life's mission.

Now, Ben returns to the TMJ4 studios for Episode 20 of the Positively Milwaukee PozCast, bringing with him an even more personal and powerful story. This time, he's not just speaking as an advocate for other veterans—he's sharing his own raw, unfiltered journey of struggle and ultimate victory over the demons that nearly claimed his life.

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

2024 Positively Milwaukee Awards:

https://youtu.be/soRr4pWJ8m4?si=AbZIA9DaWE0-WnYC

Inspiring Veteran of the Year - 2024 [Extended Cut]:

https://youtu.be/qOSZpUccT74?si=8DoHh-cunRcG2I70

Episode 20:  Ben Jarvis's Courageous Journey

Last November, we had the privilege of celebrating Ben Jarvis as he was recognized as the 2024 TMJ4 Positively Milwaukee Inspiring Veteran. During that initial feature, we highlighted his remarkable accomplishments and tireless volunteer work advocating for veteran mental health and suicide prevention—causes that have become central to his life's mission.

Now, Ben returns to the TMJ4 studios for Episode 20 of the Positively Milwaukee PozCast, bringing with him an even more personal and powerful story. This time, he's not just speaking as an advocate for other veterans—he's sharing his own raw, unfiltered journey of struggle and ultimate victory over the demons that nearly claimed his life.

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

Episode 19:

What happens when you combine 25 years of educational innovation with a leader who refuses to let any child fall behind? You get SHARP Literacy—and their incredible story unfolds in the newest Positively Milwaukee episode.

Host Shannon Sims welcomes SHARP Literacy President and CEO Lynda K. Welsh for a fascinating conversation about how this Milwaukee nonprofit is changing the game for students who need it most. Welsh doesn't just talk about educational equity—she's living it, ensuring that public, charter, and choice schools receive cutting-edge STEAM programming absolutely free.

The transformation has been remarkable. What started as a literacy-focused organization has evolved into a comprehensive STEAM powerhouse, responding to what Welsh saw as a critical need: preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce. The results speak for themselves—students are developing creativity, sharpening critical thinking skills, and discovering new passions through hands-on learning experiences.

Listen to how SHARP Literacy continues to brighten children's futures through experiential learning that makes education both engaging and relevant.

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

Episode 18:

A Conversation with Mark Shapiro of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center

In the latest episode of Positively Milwaukee Pozcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. Our conversation revealed not just a dedicated community leader, but a man whose personal journey through health challenges has deepened his understanding of authentic leadership.

Personal Challenges, Professional Growth

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centered on Mark's recent health challenges during his tenure as CEO. With remarkable openness, he spoke about how facing personal adversity has influenced his leadership approach and deepened his empathy for others going through difficult times.

These experiences have shaped his philosophy that authentic leadership requires vulnerability and genuine connection with the people you serve. It's a perspective that has clearly resonated throughout the JCC community and beyond.

Building Community Impact

Under Mark's leadership, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center has become more than just a community center—it's a hub for wellness, education, and cultural connection that serves people from all backgrounds across Milwaukee.

Looking Forward

As our conversation wrapped up, Mark's optimism for the future was infectious. Despite the challenges he's faced personally and professionally, his commitment to the JCC's mission and to the Milwaukee community remains unwavering.

His story serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership isn't about avoiding difficulties—it's about how we grow through them and use those experiences to better serve others.

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

Episode 17:

From Unexpected Gift to Cultural Innovator: Our Inspiring Conversation with Nkenge Adams

What happens when an unexpected gift completely transforms your life's trajectory? That's exactly what we explored in the recent Positively Milwaukee PozCast episode with Nkenge Adams, the visionary founder of Nkenge's Gallery.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Nkenge's story is one of those beautiful examples of how life's surprises can lead us to our true calling. During our conversation, she opened up about how a single unexpected gift became the catalyst for a profound journey of self-discovery. What started as a simple ask evolved into something much deeper - a path that would eventually make her a keeper of cultural artifacts and a bridge between traditional African artistry and modern innovation.

The Power of Cultural Stewardship

One of the most moving parts of our conversation was when Nkenge talked about being a cultural steward. It's not just about displaying beautiful art - it's about honoring the traditions, stories, and people they represent.

Her approach to cultural stewardship goes beyond preservation. Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, she's creating meaningful connections between people, fostering community, and celebrating our shared human experience.

In this episode of the PozCast, host Shannon Sims introduces Dr. Anna Gaddy, a nephrologist from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

She's not just a chronic kidney disease specialist, but also a life-saving kidney donor. After witnessing the devastating impact of kidney failure, Dr. Gaddy took a bold step in January 2024, donating her kidney and saving a life.

Today, she continues to champion live organ donation, advocating for its potential to improve health outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Gaddy will share her inspiring journey to organ donation and discuss the local efforts to combat chronic kidney disease.

In this episode of the PozCast, host Shannon Sims introduces Bob Burmeister, the founder of Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge.

A Story of Compassion

The journey to support the less fortunate began long before Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge became a 501(c)(3) in 2012. According to Burmeister, it all started in 2007 with six backpacks filled with personal hygiene products, which he distributed with love to friends in the city.

A Thriving Community

Fast forward 14 years, and Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge has blossomed into a vibrant community of volunteers and donors who come together every Saturday morning at Kosciuszko Park to feed and clothe those in need.

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

In the latest episode of the Positively Milwaukee Pozcast with Shannon Sims, listen to an inspiring conversation with Executive Chef Gregory León of Amilinda, a renowned restaurant celebrated for its Spanish and Portuguese cuisine and community focus.

Beyond the kitchen, León is a fervent advocate for social causes. Chef León shares his multifaceted journey, one that weaves together his passion for food, his commitment to philanthropy, and his advocacy for HIV awareness.

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

This week’s guest on the PozCast is the inspiring Analena Peterson. As a senior at Catholic Memorial High School, Analena is on a mission to help young readers through her literacy campaign.

But it wasn't always easy for her. During her early school days, reading out loud was so challenging that she'd sometimes escape to the bathroom, crying in humiliation.

Despite this, she's now spreading her love for books and recently won TMJ4's Positively Milwaukee Inspiring Youth award. Hear her chat with host Shannon Sims about her journey and passion for making reading accessible to all!

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

Episode 12: At First Stage, one of their guiding principles is learning life skills through stage skills.

For the past 32 years, this nonprofit theater has provided a platform for youth to unleash their creativity through the First Stage Theater Academy.

To ensure accessibility for families, they are offering this enriching experience at five locations this year. Recently, Academy Director J.T. Backes joined host Shannon Sims on The Positively Milwaukee Pozcast to discuss the vital role that creative arts play in participants' development.

He highlighted one of their many programs, Next Steps, that gives children on the autism spectrum the opportunity to perform on stage and discover their creative voices in theater.