Get to know Michael Patton.

In this episode, Michael Patton—co-founder and director of the Cyber Security Center of Excellence at UW Oshkosh—explores the critical intersection of human behavior and digital safety. Patton argues that effective protection requires more than just software; it requires an understanding of social engineering and the psychological motivations behind cybercrime.

Beyond his technical expertise, Patton discusses his deep community roots as a university educator and the voice of Titan athletics, embodying the "Wisconsin Idea" by bridging academic knowledge with public service. The conversation concludes with a vital call to action for individuals and small businesses to move past digital complacency and adopt proactive habits like using password vaults and unique passphrases.

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]

Links:

https://www.uwosh.edu/cybersecurity-center/

Get to know Sandy Drexler.

In this episode of "The Kosh" podcast, Sandy Drexler, the Executive Director of Tri County Dental Clinic, discusses the vital connection between oral health and overall physical well-being. Drexler details her professional journey from English major to nonprofit leader, emphasizing her commitment to community service and the clinic’s mission to provide free care to low-income veterans and children. The conversation highlights the "long game" of dental hygiene, advocating for preventative habits and reducing sugar intake to avoid systemic diseases. Ultimately, the conversation serves as an inspiring call to action, blending holistic health advice with a celebration of the human connection and social support systems found within the Fox Cities region.

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]

Links:

https://tricountydental.org/

Get to know Liz Cannon, Ph.D & Amney Castaneda, Ph.D.

This podcast episode features Dr. Liz Cannon and Dr. Amney Castaneda, the founders of Somewhere Over the Moon Trainings. They discuss their career-long dedication to LGBTQ+ advocacy and education. The conversation explores the shifting landscape of higher education and social justice, highlighting how storytelling serves as a vital tool for fostering human connection and empathy. Through their business, the guests provide specialized training in mental health, suicide prevention, and facilitating difficult dialogues, emphasizing that hope and joy are radical, necessary acts of defiance in a polarized climate. Ultimately, the episode serves as an elegant call for community support and active listening, urging listeners to embrace their neighbors' stories to bridge cultural divides.

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]

Links:

https://somewhereoverthemoon.training/

Get to know Molly Smiltneek.

This episode features Molly Smiltneek, an immigration attorney and school board member, to discuss her multifaceted role in the Oshkosh community. The conversation highlights Smiltneek’s transition from a special education advocate—driven by her children's experience with dyslexia—to a systemic leader focused on literacy equity and student representation. A significant portion of the dialogue explores the current challenges of immigration, emphasizing the erosion of legal paths, the humanitarian impact on refugee families, and the vital importance of maintaining a sense of belonging for all residents. Through personal anecdotes and social justice insights, Molloy provides a deep dive into the intersection of local governance and global crises, urging listeners to actively participate in building a more empathetic and inclusive 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]

Links:

Get to know Dr. Chu May Paing.

This episode features an insightful interview with Dr. Chu May Paing, a cultural anthropologist and the Executive Director of the Winnebago Area Literacy Council (WALC). Dr. Chu discusses her personal history as a first-generation immigrant from Myanmar and emphasizes WALC's vital mission in serving the Fox Cities region's substantial refugee and immigrant population with critical resources like English and citizenship classes. A key thematic focus centers on the need to expand educational understanding beyond traditional methods to embrace concepts like digital literacy and civic literacy to better navigate modern society. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Chu stresses the emotional toll and bureaucratic complexity of the legal immigration process, urging listeners to approach all newcomers with genuine empathy and welcoming spirit by attending community events like the Immigration Learning Circles.

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]

Links:

https://winlit.org/

Get to know Tina Haffeman.

This episode features Tina Haffeman, an influential community activist from the Oshkosh area. The conversation begins with Haffeman’s deep involvement in local social justice initiatives. A major theme explored is the struggle to establish resources like the Day-by-Day Shelter, highlighting the pervasive issue of "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBYism), and Haffeman's "prickly" tenacity in overcoming it. The discussion delves into the complexities of homelessness and affordable housing, stressing that systemic issues like stagnating wages, medical debt, and high rents are often the root causes, and that many people are only one crisis away from instability. Haffeman advocates for a shift beyond mere charity toward fundamental system change and emphasizes the transformative power of community connection as modeled by her work at organizations like Day-by-Day and Leaven, while also advocating for local government action, such as the proposed change to fair housing laws concerning criminal records.

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]

Links:

https://daybydayshelter.org/

https://leavenfoxcities.org/

Get to know Gordon Hintz.

This episode is a lively conversation with Gordon Hintz, the Winnebago County Executive and former state legislator. The conversation flows through discussions about the local community, personal life, and public service. A key theme emerges around Hintz's dedication to public service and his evolution from state partisan politics to a non-partisan, administrative role as County Executive, where he focuses on improving local government visibility and effectiveness. The most entertaining segment is Hintz's retelling of his unexpected victory in the 2003 US Air Guitar Championship, providing a surprising anecdote about his past life outside of politics.

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]

Links:

https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/

Get to know Brandon Bjorkman.

This podcast episode features Brandon Bjorkman, a content creator and "epic dream magician" with a background in radio, TV, and film. The discussion explores Brandon's work, particularly his involvement with Discover Oshkosh and the "Why I Love Oshkosh" video series, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and authentic connection in content creation. Key themes include maintaining mental clarity amidst chaos, the value of collaboration and diverse perspectives in creative projects, and the host's personal reflections on scaling a creative business. The episode also delves a captivating travel story about Brandon's experiences filming a documentary in Asia, highlighting the universal nature of human connection beyond language barriers.

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]

Links:

https://www.motionworksmediallc.com/

Get to know Kourtney Kositzke.

This podcast episode features guest Kourtney Kositzke, who discusses her role as the Education and Community Program Manager at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah, Wisconsin. Kositzke highlights the museum's unique status as an admission-free art museum, specializing in glass art since 2012, and emphasizes its commitment to community engagement and art education, particularly for children. The conversation also delves into upcoming events, such as their third annual Renaissance Fair and the Glass Festival, both designed to offer accessible and interactive experiences with art. Beyond her professional life, Kositzke shares personal anecdotes, revealing her passion for art as a coping mechanism, her dreams of being a pop-punk singer, and her involvement in roller derby, showcasing the diverse interests and community spirit present within the Fox Cities region.

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]

Links:

https://bmmglass.com/

https://www.foxcitiesrollerderby.com/

https://psandqscreativedesign.square.site/

https://wirmotorsports.com/

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Get to know Darryl Eschete.

This podcast episode of "The Kosh" features an interview with Darryl Eschete, the Director of the Oshkosh Public Library. The conversation delves into the evolving role of modern libraries beyond just books, highlighting their function as community centers, providers of diverse media and digital resources, and vital "third spaces" where people can gather without commercial pressure. Eschete passionately discusses the library's mission to foster literacy and combat ignorance, particularly through initiatives like summer reading programs and partnerships with local organizations. He also shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing the library's significant impact on his own life and its dedication to serving people in all stages and circumstances of life, making it a true community property and a powerful tool against social isolation.

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]

⁠https://www.oshkoshlibrary.org/