THE KOSH

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/

Get to know Liz Last.

This podcast episode features an engaging conversation with Liz Last, Executive Director of Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods, focusing on the power of community building and local engagement in the Fox Cities region. The discussion highlights how Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods develops and supports neighborhood associations by providing resources like "Good Neighbor Grants" for property improvements and "Community Building and Engagement Dollars" for local events. Last also shares her personal experiences in fostering connections, emphasizing the importance of belonging and mutual support within neighborhoods, whether through formal associations, shared meals, or even canine companions. The conversation extends to broader themes of personal motivation, defining success, and the value of kindness and courage in fostering a thriving community, underscored by Last's desire to be a "good person who was always willing to help people."

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://gohni.org/

Get to know Yaw Asare & Orson Fournillier.

This episode features Orson and Yaw, the entrepreneurs behind Gold Coast Candy and Brittle Daddies. The podcast, focused on individuals with ties to the Kosh and Fox Cities area, explores their business journey, personal philosophies, and the challenges of the confectionary industry. Key themes include the importance of community, local business, and the immigrant experience in building a life and company. They discuss their West African heritage as inspiration for their products and their goal of introducing African-inspired treats to a wider American audience, while also navigating issues like inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the "price of chocolate." The episode highlights their friendship, entrepreneurial spirit, and gratitude, culminating in personal reflections and a fun "What in the World is Going On With" segment.

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.goldcoastcandy.com/

Get to know Curtis Dewitt.

This podcast episode of "The Kosh" features Curtis Dewitt, a local entrepreneur and artisan. The conversation covers Curtis's personal journey, including his past struggles with addiction and incarceration, and how these experiences ultimately fueled his passion for Dwitz Creations, a business focused on custom novelty items like tumblers and T-shirts. Beyond his craft, Curtis shares his commitment to community involvement and addiction recovery, highlighting his efforts to support others. The interview also delves into lighter topics, revealing Curtis's love for fishing, cooking, and darts.

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.facebook.com/p/Dewitts-Creations-61571392615836/

Get to know Tara Brzozowski.

This podcast episode features Tara Brzozowski, an Oshkosh native and communication professional, engaging in a conversational and wide-ranging discussion about community, professional experiences, and effective communication. The interview progresses through segments like "What in the World is Going On With," "Word Association," and "Hidden Gems," revealing Brzozowski's personal history, entrepreneurial drive inspired by her family, and her work in marketing and public relations within the Fox Cities region. A central theme emerges around the critical importance of clear, empathetic communication and the need to slow down in a fast-paced, digitally-driven world, emphasizing active listening and building trust in relationships, rather than rushing to respond or assuming communication preferences. The conversation is peppered with personal anecdotes, local shout-outs, and reflections on leadership, community engagement, and the value of laughter.

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.showcasecomms.com/

Get to know Greg Wright.

This podcast episode features Greg Wright, a placemaking consultant and former English teacher. The discussion spans a variety of topics, beginning with a lighthearted exchange about Wisconsin weather and personal approaches to its extremes. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to placemaking, which Wright defines as strengthening a community's sense of place through art and cultural amenities, especially in the digital age where physical location is less dictated by work. He emphasizes that placemaking is about intentional community investment to foster vibrancy, connection, and economic growth, particularly by supporting local businesses and artists. The conversation also delves into deeper societal issues, including the dehumanizing nature of modern politics, the importance of local government serving its people, and the critical need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives—which Wright passionately advocates for—to counter biases and open doors for diverse talent. Throughout, Wright shares personal anecdotes from his teaching career and offers advice on embracing uncertainty and change in life and career paths, concluding with an invitation for Oshkosh residents to contribute their ideas to future placemaking projects that reflect the community's evolving identity and foster a sense of belonging for all.

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:

Get to know Dr. Felicia Houk.

This podcast episode features Dr. Felicia Houk, a neurologically based chiropractor. The conversation explores a broader understanding of chiropractic care, moving beyond traditional spinal adjustments to focus on the brain's role in overall health and healing. Dr. Houk challenges the misconception that chiropractic solely addresses back pain, revealing its historical roots in treating various functional issues and its modern application in balancing the body's fight-or-flight and healing-and-repair modes. She highlights the impact of stress, particularly around pregnancy and birth, on children's neurological development and discusses how societal and systemic factors, like insurance limitations and medical specialization, have narrowed the perceived scope of chiropractic and hindered a holistic view of health.

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.shiftingtideschiropractic.com/

Get to know Justin Marville.

This episode captures a lively, in-depth conversation on The Kosh podcast with Justin Marville, a watchdog reporter for the Oshkosh Northwestern and a native of Barbados. The discussion covers Marville's journey to Wisconsin, largely driven by his lifelong passion for the Green Bay Packers, and the fascinating way he met his wife at a local establishment. A central theme is the current state and challenges of modern journalism, including the struggle for traditional media to remain relevant amidst hyper-polarization, the prevalence of "echo chambers" where people seek information that "reaffirms their existing beliefs," and the financial pressures leading to newsroom downsizing. Marville shares his professional motivations, such as the drive to break exclusive stories, and offers candid advice to aspiring journalists about the demanding nature and low pay in the field, while also highlighting the personal reward of meeting diverse people.

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 Sierra Skindzelewsk.

This episode features Sierra, a first-generation college student turned higher education professional at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO), to discuss her life and connection to the Fox Cities area. The conversation explores various topics, including Sierra's return to UWO as the Outreach Program Manager following her graduate studies, the importance of community outreach for the university, and a lighthearted debate on the increasing pressure of "tip taunting" in modern transactions. The discussion delves into deeply personal themes, particularly Sierra’s motivation for personal growth, her definition of success rooted in integrity and continuous effort, and a vulnerable story about overcoming the fear of rejection to bravely express her feelings to a close friend, which ultimately strengthened their bond. Sierra also passionately discusses the transformative power of education—especially its role in fostering critical thinking—and the need for more accessible "third spaces" for community connection.

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:Wisconsin Women's Network: https://wiwomensnetwork.orgHoricon Marsh: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/horicon
UW Oshkosh Fraternity and Sorority Life: https://www.uwosh.edu/reeve/involvement/greek/Bell Hooks: https://bellhooksbooks.com/product/all-about-love/