Sun Prairie Rising Podcast

Call the Kids! They might like this one...My guest on this episode is JD Uhler, co-owner of Code Ninjas.  He's also starting up Sun Prairie's first e-sports league!  I also talked about my impressions of the Chief of Police's new Citizens Advisory Board and development plans for the McGovern's location. 

This week's episode is chock full of "hot topics" like roundabouts, Wal-Mart mask violators, the City Hall Bell Tower and Sun Prairie's Money Magazine ranking!  Then Andy's joined by Dr. Brianne Pitts for a great conversation on everything from Improv, to Black History, Teacher mindsets and why challenging conversations about race are integral to a great education."

"In this week's show, Andy talks about the ongoing controversy surrounding new apartments in Sun Prairie and a mysterious flyer that some residents are calling racist.  Then he's joined by local resident Jen Brandt, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, to talk about mental health for our kids during these crazy times."

In this week's "What Are We Building" Andy talks about the events in Kenosha and its impact on the "Wisconsin Tribe" including our sports teams and the financial impact of racial protest.  Then he goes "Back to School" with guest Becky Volenec, a teacher at Patrick Marsh Middle School, as they continue the conversation about racial justice and equity in Sun Prairie schools.

"This week Andy talks about 2 major new projects being built in town, and thanks the Planning Department for all their hard work behind the scenes.  He also talks about low-income housing and then interviews Tom Dufek of Plain Spoke Cocktails about his business making ready to drink cocktails in Sun Prairie."

Andy's back with a new episode of "What Are We Building?" with his guest Leighanne Dockerty, who is starting up a new self-serve wine bar in the old historic City Hall building.  Andy also talks about new apartments in Sun Prairie, specifically the proposed development under consideration near West Main St. and Thompson Rd

Great conversation with my friend John Thao!  We talked about Cub Scouts, Hmong Culture and his brush with fame as a minor local celebrity.  I also mentioned the new Cory Barr statue, and changes coming to the old City Hall building.

This episode of "What are We Building?" includes an interview with Reuben Sanon, the Communications & Diversity Strategist for the City of Sun Prairie.  He talks about his role in city government and how he's helping to make sure minority voices are more involved and included.  Andy also has an update on the Meijer/Pumpkin Patch development and shares his thoughts about the Boys and Girls Club's request for a Tech Education Center.

In this episode of What are We Building?, Andy gives some updates on new building projects and talks to Marilyn Ruffin of the Sun Prairie School Board, the first person of color to serve in any elected role in the city, about her experiences living in Madison and Sun Prairie.  They talk about racial justice in schools, interactions with police, and how Sun Prairie can continue to become a more equitable place for our minority residents.    

In this week's "What are We Building?", Andy opens the show with his perspective on the protests and conflicts happening in the wake of the death of George Floyd, and talks about the next phase of getting closer to normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.  His guest this week is Jimmy Kauffman, President & CEO of the Bank of Sun Prairie - they talk about the history of the bank and the important role it plays in the community.