Sole Source

Two business owners under the age of 30-years-old, Joel and Tamrah Ellenbecker own Fortitude Krav Maga in Neenah, Wisconsin.

They opened their training facility right before the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to shut down. As a fitness facility, things were bleak but through the use of fortitude and lessons they learned through years of martial arts training, they were able to not only keep their doors open and keep everyone safe, but also have record numbers of new members all while many businesses were forced to close.

They are sharing with Sole Source how they did it in this episode.

If you would like to learn more about Fortitude or take a free introductory class, visit https://fortitudekravmaga.com/.


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With an aging workforce and not enough people in line to fill those jobs, the United States' manufacturing sector is facing a crisis.

As Ann Franz, executive director of the Northeast Wisconsin (N.E.W.) Manufacturing Alliance states, manufacturing is the backbone of the U.S. and without these jobs, many of the products we use would not be available. During the pandemic, manufacturers were many times considered essential workers, making much of the needed personal protective equipment, ventilators and other products needed for health care workers.

Ann is talking to us about what these jobs are really like, what a career in manufacturing could mean for you and how manufacturing jobs have completely changed since the 1900's.


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Are you finding it a little hard to live in the moment right now? Is stress weighing you down causing anxiety to run rampant and depression to sink in?

If that sounds like you than you will want to list to this episode of Sole Source with Stephanie Bellin of Bellin Training Solutions. She is a corporate trainer and HR consultant who helps businesses and individuals thrive. One of the topics she speaks on often is mindfulness, self-care and being present in the moment and you are going to love her no bull approach.

To learn more about Stephanie and her mindfulness programs, connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-bellin-16b8677/.


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We're talking with the international vice-president of the United Steelworkers' union (USW) in this week's episode of Sole Source. It's Labor Day and this holiday wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the unions, nor would many work privileges most of us take for granted each and every day.

Although labor unions have come a long way, there is still a long way to go when it comes to women's equality and COVID-19 resources for union workers. To learn about what a union can do for you and how the union is taking COVID-19 head on, give this week's episode a listen.

For more information on the Steelworkers' Union, visit https://www.usw.org/join.

To learn about COVID-19 resources the union has available to members, visithttps://www.usw.org/members/coronavirus-resources.

To learn how women can get involved with the Steelworkers' Union, visit https://www.usw.org/act/activism/women-of-steel.


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In this episode of Sole Source we're talking with Johanna Garton, author of the book "Edge of the Map." This book tells the story of Christine Boskoff, an Appleton, Wisconsin native who became a national mountain climber. Unfortunately, Christine and her partner died in an avalanche a few years back, but her legacy still lives on today.

What is the importance of being resilient in the face of adversity? How does human endurance keep us going? What lasting image will your legacy be?

We discuss these topics and more with Johanna Garton. To learn more about her or to purchase her book, "Edge of the Map," visit https://johannagarton.com/eotm/edge-of-the-map. A portion of all proceeds from purchases of "Edge of the Map" will benefit the Women's Fund for the Fox Valley Region.


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Parents are stressed out. Kids are anxious and stir-crazy and it's all the perfect storm for anxiety as families start the new school year during COVID-19.

We're talking with Dr. Krystal Lewis from the National Institute of Mental Health about ways to get through the school year for parents, young kids and teens whether you're going back virtually or in-person.

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In this episode of Sole Source we're speaking with Julie Keller, the executive director of the Women's Fund for the Fox Valley Region about COVID-19's impact on women and girls. Studies have shown women are being disproportionately impacted by this virus, whether it's through higher rates of job loss or more work being taken on inside the home in addition to working a full-time job.

The idea for this podcast came after reading an op-ed in the New York Times by food blogger, Deb Perelman titled "In the COVID-19 Economy, You Can Have A Kid Or A Job. You Can't Have Both."

To learn more or to register for the Women's Fund for the Fox Valley Region Luncheon, click this link: https://www.womensfundfvr.org/luncheon/virtual/.


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In this episode of Sole Source we're talking with Jason Rae, president and CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

He breaks down the Supreme Court's ruling against discrimination for the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace and outlines what strides still need to be taken to achieve true equality for everyone.

To learn more about the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, visit https://wislgbtchamber.com/.

To find a LGBT Chamber of Commerce near you, visit https://www.nglcc.org/.


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In episode 20 of Sole Source we're talking about the upcoming school year. What is the best decision for kids? Should they go back to brick and mortar classes or is virtual learning safer?

We're speaking to Andrew Spar, vice president of the Florida Education Association (FEA). The largest teacher's union in the Sunshine State is suing the Governor of Florida, Ron Desantis as well as Commissioner Richard Corcoran, The Florida Department of Education, The Florida State Board of Education and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez in an effort FEA says is to safeguard the health and welfare of public school students, educators and the community at large.

To learn more about this lawsuit and how it is impacting the upcoming school year, click here.


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Is your small business struggling while COVID-19 wages on? Is financing running out? The Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) has a COVID-19 Loan Program.

Melanie Manuel owns Celesta Restaurant a vegan restaurant and small business in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She says WWBIC has helped her keep her doors open and taught her how to fill out certain government forms so she can eliminate some stress and put her focus on innovative ways to move her business forward and support causes she cares about, like the Black Lives Matter movement which went right past her restaurant numerous times.

To learn more about Celesta Restaurant or how you can support this small business, visit https://www.celesta.restaurant/.

To learn more about WWBIC and its COVID-19 Loan Program, visit https://www.wwbic.com/covid-19-resources/.

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