This week on This Week in Waukesha, host Don Browne is joined by Bev Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Childcare Centers in Elm Grove, for an in-depth conversation on the state of child care in Wisconsin. With over 40 years of experience in the field, Bev shares insights into the growing challenges facing child care providers, including funding cuts, workforce shortages, and the ripple effects on working families and local businesses. The discussion highlights why child care is a critical community infrastructure, how state and federal policy decisions are shaping the future of care, and what advocacy efforts are underway as Wisconsin approaches a pivotal budget year.

This week on This Week in Waukesha, host Don Browne is joined by Bev Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Childcare Centers in Elm Grove, for an in-depth conversation on the state of child care in Wisconsin. With over 40 years of experience in the field, Bev shares insights into the growing challenges facing child care providers, including funding cuts, workforce shortages, and the ripple effects on working families and local businesses. The discussion highlights why child care is a critical community infrastructure, how state and federal policy decisions are shaping the future of care, and what advocacy efforts are underway as Wisconsin approaches a pivotal budget year.

The first episode of This Week in Waukesha for 2026 kicks off with host Don Browne and producer Max Martinson reflecting on the holidays before diving into what the new year holds for Waukesha County. Don shares insights from a recent trip to Springfield, Illinois, for a youth softball tournament, including a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, and uses that experience to explore the growing economic power of youth sports complexes. The conversation turns local with a discussion of a proposed multi-sport athletic facility in New Berlin, its potential impact on regional development, and what similar projects could mean for Waukesha County. The episode also takes time to reflect and remember, honoring the legacy of Bob Uecker and sharing personal remembrances of loved ones lost over the past year.

The first episode of This Week in Waukesha for 2026 kicks off with host Don Browne and producer Max Martinson reflecting on the holidays before diving into what the new year holds for Waukesha County. Don shares insights from a recent trip to Springfield, Illinois, for a youth softball tournament, including a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, and uses that experience to explore the growing economic power of youth sports complexes. The conversation turns local with a discussion of a proposed multi-sport athletic facility in New Berlin, its potential impact on regional development, and what similar projects could mean for Waukesha County. The episode also takes time to reflect and remember, honoring the legacy of Bob Uecker and sharing personal remembrances of loved ones lost over the past year.

In this bonus episode of This Week in Waukesha, host Don Browne sits down with longtime friend Brian Sullivan, CEO and co-founder of Consumer Resources, to trace a journey from Waukesha roots to leading a global energy company based in British Columbia. Broadcasting from the office of former Alderman Don Browne in Banting Park, the conversation explores metallurgical coal and steelmaking, Great Lakes industrial history, global supply chains, and the realities of operating an international business amid political uncertainty. Along the way, Sullivan reflects on rebuilding a struggling mining town, lessons from decades in the energy industry, and how local experiences connect to global impact.

In this bonus episode of This Week in Waukesha, host Don Browne sits down with longtime friend Brian Sullivan, CEO and co-founder of Consumer Resources, to trace a journey from Waukesha roots to leading a global energy company based in British Columbia. Broadcasting from the office of former Alderman Don Browne in Banting Park, the conversation explores metallurgical coal and steelmaking, Great Lakes industrial history, global supply chains, and the realities of operating an international business amid political uncertainty. Along the way, Sullivan reflects on rebuilding a struggling mining town, lessons from decades in the energy industry, and how local experiences connect to global impact.

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, host Don Browne is joined by producer Max Martinson for a deep dive into Waukesha South boys varsity basketball with head coach Lee Montez. Broadcasting from the office of former Alderman Don Browne in the Banting Park neighborhood, the conversation covers Montez’s third year at the helm, the Blackshirts’ competitive 3–3 start against top-tier opponents, standout players and leadership on the roster, and the team’s move into the Woodland Conference. Coach Montez also discusses his coaching philosophy, player development from youth programs through varsity, managing parent expectations, and what fans can expect as the team looks to peak at the right time and make a postseason run. The episode wraps with a look ahead to upcoming matchups and a preview of a second segment covering baseball, the holidays, and more local sports conversation.

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, host Don Browne is joined by producer Max Martinson for a deep dive into Waukesha South boys varsity basketball with head coach Lee Montez. Broadcasting from the office of former Alderman Don Browne in the Banting Park neighborhood, the conversation covers Montez’s third year at the helm, the Blackshirts’ competitive 3–3 start against top-tier opponents, standout players and leadership on the roster, and the team’s move into the Woodland Conference. Coach Montez also discusses his coaching philosophy, player development from youth programs through varsity, managing parent expectations, and what fans can expect as the team looks to peak at the right time and make a postseason run. The episode wraps with a look ahead to upcoming matchups and a preview of a second segment covering baseball, the holidays, and more local sports conversation.

In this holiday-season episode of This Week in Waukesha, host Don Browne is joined by producer Max Martinson and special guest Beau Blask, owner of Mia’s Italian Restaurant, for a lively conversation about food, creativity, and festive traditions in downtown Waukesha. Beau shares the story behind Mia’s now-beloved Festivus celebration, including this year’s events on December 15 and December 23, complete with live music, communal dining, and the airing of grievances.

The discussion also dives into Mia’s popular themed private dinners, from Bob Ross and Casablanca to Salem Witch Trials and Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, along with plans for future culinary experiences. Along the way, Beau reflects on milestones from the past year, media attention, art and painting, community-building through food, and what’s ahead for Mia’s as downtown Waukesha heads into another busy year.

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, host Don Browne is joined by producer Max Martinson and First District Alderman Mike Chrisien for a timely conversation about compassion, community, and city business as the year comes to a close. The discussion highlights local efforts to address homelessness during the winter months, including details on Waukesha’s upcoming Coldest Night of the Year walk at Frame Park, organized with the Housing Action Coalition to raise awareness and support for unhoused residents.

The episode also covers key updates from City Hall, including finalized police and fire labor contracts, the recently passed city budget and capital improvement plan, staffing challenges, infrastructure concerns, and long-term financial planning. Along the way, the group reflects on holiday giving, collaboration among local service providers, and ways residents can stay engaged in shaping Waukesha’s future.