Step into Bikini Bottom with the talented students of DC Everest Senior High School as they bring SpongeBob the Musical to life. Cast members Jackson Perdue (SpongeBob), Bennett Berg (Patrick), and Catherine Harmon (Sandy Cheeks) share their journey from auditions to opening night, revealing the excitement of performing over two weekends. They discuss character challenges, like maintaining SpongeBob's relentless positivity or mastering Sandy's complex monologues. With a massive cast of 60, these young thespians emphasize the camaraderie and leadership learned through theater. Aspiring performers are encouraged to embrace opportunities and persist in their passion.

You can get tickets to this weekend's performances at dce.booktix.com

YouTube video of interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou6QMQIPVvY

This morning we also talked about the start of the girls' basketball season last night, including our first broadcast of Wausau West vs. Pacelli. Finally, we discussed President Trump's disturbing....very disturbing and wrong comments in the Oval Office next to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia concerning the murder of a Washington Post journalist seven years ago.

The episode kicks off with Quinn Suchon from the Marathon County Literacy Council (https://mclitofwausau.org) discussing the 'Letters to Santa' project, a heartwarming initiative encouraging kids to write to Santa and receive personalized replies, spreading holiday cheer throughout Wisconsin.

Here’s a list of locations to pick up special stationery and drop off letters to Santa:

Chad Holmes and Ian Welsh then pivot to local high school athletics, previewing the Wausau West girls basketball season opener and celebrating the community's sports spirit. Finally, a discussion of two stories that shows the Trump Administration's failure to adhere to what the government should be about.

Chad is back from a vacation and we talk about the trip to Chicago to see the Broadcast Museum and also catch a hockey game at the United Center. Plus a discussion on a couple of the top area stories of last week with Mayor Diny vetoing the budget and Gillian Battino jumping into the race for the 29th State Senate District as a Democrat. Finally we talk about the start of our winter HS sports broadcast schedule this week with girls' basketball and give Ian the "Number of the Day" quiz!

Today we bring back a recent discussion with Cheryl Martino from NAMI Northwoods, delving into mental health advocacy and resources in Central Wisconsin. NAMI Northwoods, a local affiliate of NAMI Wisconsin, focuses on providing free support groups and educational classes for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Martino discusses combating stigma, emphasizing that mental illnesses are biological, not character flaws. The organization supports high school and middle school clubs to reshape perceptions among youth. Despite funding challenges, NAMI Northwoods remains committed to accessible mental health care, offering virtual resources to reach rural communities.

Wausau West High School's theater production of 'Once Upon a Mattress' is set to open tonight and dazzle audiences with its comedic twist on 'The Princess and the Pea.' Cast members Cayley Gosney and Drake Hoffman share their theater journeys and excitement for the show, highlighting the camaraderie and teamwork essential in theater. The production features around 45 cast members, supported by a dedicated tech crew. Directed by Brad Schmicker, the show promises a mix of humor and heart. Also discussed is theater withdrawal, the emotional lull post-production, with tips on staying connected to the arts. Local high schools offer rich theatrical experiences, making Wausau a cultural hub.

See and hear the interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4bjUwH-bO0