THE KOSH

Get to know Michelle Devine Geise.

In this episode of the Kosh podcast Michelle Devine Giese, the CEO of Apricity, shares her personal journey and professional dedication to addiction recovery. Michelle reflects on her upbringing as the youngest of eight children in Wisconsin and candidly discusses her own path to sobriety, emphasizing that shame is the primary barrier preventing individuals from seeking necessary help. The conversation transitions into a masterclass on the nonprofit sector, where Giese dispels the myth that such work is easy, illustrating the difficult balance between mission-driven compassion and pragmatic business decisions. Ultimately, the dialogue serves to humanize the struggle of addiction and celebrate the unique, collaborative spirit of the Fox Cities community in supporting those on the road to wellness.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email at [email protected].

Linkshttps://www.apricityservices.com/

Get to know Jason Rippl.

In this episode Jason Rippl, a lifelong Winnebago County resident and veteran law enforcement officer, engages in a wide-ranging conversation about community service and local life. The discussion opens with lighthearted banter regarding local sports and family ties before transitioning into Rippl's extensive public service background, highlighting his decades with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and his work on volunteer fire and dive rescue teams. Throughout the interview, key themes emerge centered around the importance of civic engagement, the value of grassroots volunteerism, and the necessity of bridging generational divides within community organizations. Rippl passionately argues against negative political campaigns and advocates for celebrating human diversity and differences rather than viewing them as flaws. Ultimately, the source serves as an insightful community spotlight that aims to humanize local public servants and inspire listeners to foster genuine human connections within their neighborhoods.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email at [email protected].

Get to know Alex Corrigan.

This episode of THE KOSH features Alex Corrigan, a school board member and candidate for the Wisconsin State Assembly. The conversation highlights her multifaceted background in law, social work, and parenting, emphasizing her complex approach to policymaking rather than relying on partisan divisions. Throughout the interview, Corrigan stresses the importance of active listening and community engagement to bridge political gaps and address critical local issues like public education and municipal funding. Ultimately, this conversation serves as an in-depth introduction to a thoughtful candidate who values empathy and rigorous understanding over quick campaign slogans.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email us at: [email protected].

Links:

https://www.alexfor55th.com

Get to know Karl Buelow.

Farm kid, lifelong hoops fan, and self-described "serial hobbyist" Karl Buelow brings the same energy to Magic: The Gathering and motorcycle repair that he brings to his community. In this episode of THE KOSH, Karl, a nonprofit leader and local elected official, talks about how his roots and wide-ranging interests shape the way he shows up for Oshkosh.

The conversation then turns to his years with local nonprofits and his current role in city government, where he pushes for a collaborative approach to getting things done. At the heart of the episode is an honest look at homelessness in Oshkosh. Karl challenges listeners to move past stereotypes, see the person behind every situation, and get involved directly by volunteering.

It's a conversation about empathy, shared experience, and the power of showing up, and a reminder that real change in the Fox Cities starts with neighbors who choose to engage.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email us at: [email protected].

Links:

https://karlforoshkosh.wixsite.com/2023

Get to know Jordan Ollech,

This episode of THE KOSH features Jordan Ollech, the founder of Unseen Abilities, a specialized therapy program for neurodivergent children in Wisconsin’s Fox Cities region. The conversation highlights Jordan’s personal journey of overcoming significant health setbacks and surgeries, which inspired her core philosophy of "holding life with open hands"—a practice of releasing control and trusting a higher purpose during hardship. Beyond her personal narrative, Ollech explains her business mission to bridge gaps in traditional care by focusing on a strengths-based, whole-child approach rather than merely fixing behaviors. Ultimately, the episode serves to humanize local entrepreneurship and advocate for a community defined by authenticity, kindness, and support for those with unseen challenges.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email us at: [email protected].

Links

https://unseenabilities.org/

Get to know Darin Rice,

This episode of THE KOSH features an in-depth conversation with Darin, a long-time member of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and current candidate for Sheriff. The conversation begins by exploring Rice’s personal background and values, highlighting how his upbringing in a tiny rural community instilled a deep commitment to hard work, humility, and human connection. A portion of the interview is dedicated to the impact of a recent local tornado, where Rice provides a firsthand account of the unified emergency response and the resilience of the Fox Cities region. Throughout the discussion, Rice articulates a professional philosophy centered on accountability, civil discourse, and community-oriented leadership, specifically addressing the complexities of modern law enforcement. Ultimately, Darin serves to humanize a public official while emphasizing the vital importance of neighborly support and mutual trust during times of both political transition and regional crisis.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: [email protected].

Get to know Laurice Snyder,

In this episode of THE KOSH  we interview Laurice Snyder, a multifaceted entrepreneur and community advocate who operates Rooted Wings LLC. The conversation traverses Laurice's professional evolution from a social worker and educational equity coordinator to her current dual roles as a human-centered leadership consultant and certified birth doula. Central to the discussion is Laurice’s commitment to systemic change, particularly in improving maternal health outcomes for underrepresented families by ensuring they feel heard, safe, and empowered during the birthing process. Through a series of reflective segments, Schneider emphasizes the power of curiosity over judgment and the importance of representation in allowing individuals to envision and achieve their fullest potential. Ultimately, the dialogue serves as an inspiring exploration of how authentic service and advocacy can bridge gaps in healthcare and leadership to foster a more compassionate, connected community.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: [email protected].

Link: ⁠https://madisonconsultants.com/Sys/PublicProfile/87428141

Get to Know Christian Blanton,

This episode of The Kosh podcast features an interview with Christian Blanton, a community advocate who recently made history as the first African-American woman elected to the Neenah Joint School District School Board. The conversation explores her journey from a Chicago upbringing to local leadership, driven by a desire to address systemic inequities such as school gerrymandering and the lack of cultural representation in education. Kristen emphasizes the importance of authentic belonging, advocating for practical support like hair care services for students and the integration of Black arts and culture through the newly formed African-American Chamber of Commerce of Northeastern Wisconsin. Ultimately, the dialogue serves as a call to action for residents to investigate local systems, ask difficult questions, and move from being passive citizens to active leaders who shape their communities.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: [email protected].

Link: https://aacnw.org/

Get to know Kaci Chalfant.

In this episode Kaci Chalfant, a resident of the Fox Cities region who recently returned to Wisconsin after living in the South, highlights her deep commitment to faith and family, detailing her experiences with homeschooling, restoring an 1823 farmhouse, and managing her husband’s chiropractic practice in Omro. A portion of the dialogue focuses on Kaci’s advocacy for natural birthing and midwifery, where she emphasizes the importance of women reclaiming autonomy over their healthcare during delivery. Throughout the interview, Chalfant champions the idea of radical authenticity, arguing that individuals should remain consistent in their values across all areas of life. Ultimately, the episode serves as a tribute to Kaci's intentional, traditional lifestyle that she has cultivated since her return.

If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: [email protected].

Get to know Rick Crosson.Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Rick Crosson joins THE KOSH to discuss his run for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, exploring leadership, global stability, and why restoring genuine community connection is key to moving past political division.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: [email protected].

Link:

https://www.rickcrosson.com