As Milwaukee prepares for the 58th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, The Upswing host WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman sits down with two guests helping bring the celebration — and its economic impact — to life. Stacie Callies, executive director of the Westown Association, discusses how the parade continues to thrive through corporate partnerships, downtown collaboration, and the growing momentum around Milwaukee’s central business district. She also highlights the impact of the Baird Center expansion and shares details on upcoming events like the Milwaukee Night Market.

Later, Kelley Cramer, vice president of marketing for the Water Street Brewery Group, talks about how some of Milwaukee’s most iconic bars — including Trinity Three Irish Pubs, The Harp, and Vagabond — prepare for parade weekend. He also shares insights into changing nightlife trends, from mocktails and non-alcoholic beers to the growing demand for curated experiences when people go out.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

Change can be hard — but it can also open the door to new opportunities. This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman talks with Tina Quealy, CEO of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, about plans to find a new home for the beloved Milwaukee institution. She explains why expanded classrooms and outdoor space are part of the vision, what the multi-year relocation process could look like, and why access to high-quality learning should be a statewide priority.

Later, in this month’s edition of The Future of Almost Everything, Jeff welcomes Martin Moore of Koss to discuss affordable new tech like the MacBook Neo, the idea of Milwaukee as a testing ground for innovation, AI regulation in social media, and why authenticity still matters for leaders online.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

Jeff Sherman likes to say that in greater Milwaukee, “seven degrees of separation” feels more like 1.5 — and this episode proves it.

Jeff brings together James Shiparski of Hot Spell Sauna and Moshe Katz of Yellow Wood and Atid Properties for a conversation about health, wellness, retail, real estate, and community — only to discover the two guests already knew each other from regular sauna sessions. What follows is a story of serendipity, small-business resilience, and the powerful intersections between commerce and connection in Milwaukee.

Moshe reflects on 11 years of building Yellow Wood into more than just an outdoor gear shop, while James shares how Hot Spell is growing a modern sauna and cold plunge movement along the lakefront. The episode closes with a note on Winter Break at Havenswoods State Forest.

The Upswing is brought to you by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun and Judge Derek Mosley, director of Marquette Law School’s Lubar Center, for another edition of Marquette on the Move. In recognition of Black History Month, Judge Mosley reflects on 15 years of sharing daily social media posts highlighting lesser-known Black history and how digital platforms shape the way we learn. The conversation also explores public health, community responsibility, unconscious bias, and Marquette’s efforts to foster inclusion. The episode touches on the landmark House v. NCAA case, upcoming campus initiatives, and personal reflections as the Lenten season begins — closing with anticipation for Give Marquette Day on March 3.

This week on The Upswing, host Jeff Sherman explores innovation in food access, co-working, and the future of communities. First, Michael Hostad of Fork Farms explains how indoor hydroponic Flex Farms are expanding access to fresh food in schools and communities — and why healthy food access should be a priority in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race. Then, longtime guest Steve Glynn of Experience Milwaukee shares lessons from transforming the Wantable Café into a co-working hub, insights from a recent tech tour of Phoenix, and thoughts on where Milwaukee’s innovation ecosystem is headed. The episode wraps with a discussion about return-to-office trends and why a meaningful “return to local” may have the greatest impact.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Martin Moore of Koss to the studio for another edition of The Future of Almost Everything, exploring the latest in technology and innovation. They dive into emerging AI platforms like Moltbook, debate the impact of AI-related Super Bowl commercials, and discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative industries and consumer expectations. The conversation also touches on local developments, including what’s next for Bayshore Town Center and what leadership qualities matter most looking ahead to Wisconsin’s next governor.

Later in the show, Jeff is joined by Tedd Lookatch, consulting partner at ERA Group and president of the Frank L. Weyenberg Library board in Mequon. They discuss business challenges from a CFO’s perspective, practical advice on vendor contracts and phone plans, and how modern libraries are evolving as community hubs — including a preview of Library Legislative Day on Feb. 10.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

As National Mentorship Month comes to a close, The Upswing host WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Marquette Mentors’ Radtke Director Dan DeWeerdt and Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun for this month’s edition of Marquette on the Move. The conversation reflects on the legacy of Marquette mentor and actor Pat Finn, the importance of presence and connection in mentoring, and the reopening of the Church of the Gesu on campus. They also discuss leadership within Marquette men’s basketball, college affordability, and how mentoring helps students navigate financial and professional challenges. The episode closes with a look ahead to the 2026 Wisconsin governor’s race and a reminder that mentoring can start with a simple step: asking and listening.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman talks with Ryan Laessig, executive director of Milwaukee’s East Side BID #20, about how the neighborhood is evolving while staying true to what makes it special. A Milwaukee native, Laessig shares why he sees the East Side as “a beacon for what Milwaukee stands for,” how investments like bike lanes are improving safety and access, and what it means to say goodbye to longtime staple Beans & Barley while supporting the businesses shaping the future. The conversation also highlights the Oriental Theatre, partnerships with Milwaukee Film, and big ideas for East Side events in 2026 — all centered on making the neighborhood work better for residents, artists, and businesses.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This weekend on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Arthur Ircink, a Milwaukee-area creative and community leader whose work spans food media, local government, and community-building. Ircink shares behind-the-scenes insight into the Emmy Award-winning Wisconsin Foodie and what it means to spotlight Midwest culinary innovators, including Indigenous chef Sean Sherman. He also discusses Shorewood initiatives such as the new Shorewood Feast dining event, upcoming infrastructure improvements, and his vision for a more walkable, connected community. The conversation wraps with a look at the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial race and the importance of bridging the divide between urban and rural communities.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Beth Ridley, CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, for a timely conversation about the evolving workplace and what effective leadership will look like in 2026.