Experience Milwaukee

This episode explains the evolution of Experience Milwaukee from a culture-focused podcast into a platform centered on business, tech, innovation, and the people shaping Milwaukee’s future, without losing sight of the city’s cultural fabric.

Steve shares more of his own story than he usually does, including how growing up with limited access to professional networks shaped his long-term mission: build connections and shorten the curve for others trying to grow their careers or companies in Milwaukee.

The conversation gets into why Milwaukee is both well-positioned and behind in tech: strong enterprise talent, strong big-company DNA, but not enough alignment, coordination, or shared direction to fully capitalize on that advantage.

Steve also lays out a more specific vision for where this could go next: an enterprise-led, Midwest-wide innovation movement that connects big companies, founders, and outside startups around real problems worth solving here.

Most of all, the episode sets up what you should expect from the refreshed Experience Milwaukee: more point of view, more honesty, more access to the leaders behind Milwaukee’s tech evolution, and more clarity on who ambitious people should know and why.

In this episode, Steve and Adam sit down with Charlie Connelly, Manager of Corporate Partnerships & Fulfillment for your Milwaukee Admirals.

Talking points include: Cortados, Collaboration, Coaching Sports, and Crappy Gifts!

Special thank you to local Milwaukee band Paper Valley for their track "Breakaway" - check them out at https://open.spotify.com/artist/4lsijeS7nxgLPGdqnsmmz4?si=jYdWejRQTXuosgy2TO9L2g

Episode edited by Stevie Salinas, Social Media & Content Director at Experience Milwaukee

In this episode, Steve sits down with Jockey President and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Fedyk.

Recorded live at the brand-new Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, this episode delivers an inspiring look at how one of Wisconsin’s long standing brands continues to innovate like a startup.

Mark breaks down how Jockey defines innovation—not just as a process, but as a mindset woven into its nearly 150-year DNA.

From “routine” updates to “disruptive” and even radical innovation, the company keeps close to its customers through data, insights, and an enduring human touch.

We also learn that through connection to community, legacy and innovation can coexist.

The conversation is both humorous yet insightful, exploring how a heritage brand stays fresh, relevant, and ready for what’s next.

Experience Milwaukee is presented by Habush Habush & Rottier, VISIT Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Admirals, nvisia, Summerfest, and Crescent 9 THC Seltzers and our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

John DenBoer grew up in Waukesha raised by his mom and grandmother, which sparked his lifelong passion for working with older adults - he eventually became a geriatric neuropsychologist specializing in detecting dementia way before symptoms show up.

After studying at places like Harvard and building a successful digital health company out west, he and his wife decided to make Milwaukee home (funny how he had to move to Phoenix to meet someone from down the road!).

Now he's launching a venture studio to find and support game-changing technologies to tackle big problems - think dementia, farm tech, water, and more. Which really hits home here in Wisconsin.

This podcast series is going to follow John and his team as they build the venture studio from the ground up, working with some heavy hitters in the Milwaukee startup scene.

Welcome to STEAM in MKE, where we explore Milwaukee's thriving science, technology, engineering, art, and math ecosystem and infrastructure.

This episode features Joe Poeschl, who was just named the new Executive Director of the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition.

The conversation traces Joe's journey from co-founding Startup Milwaukee to leading The Commons innovation program for nearly a decade, where he facilitated hundreds of tech-based innovation experiences for thousands of people across the region.

After sunsetting The Commons in 2023, Joe transitioned to the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition as Director of Engagement before being selected as Executive Director following a national search.

Throughout his career, Joe has focused on creating inclusive, accessible pathways for students and professionals to engage with entrepreneurship and innovation, emphasizing the importance of building a "more leaderful community" in Milwaukee's growing tech ecosystem.

STEAM in MKE is proudly presented by nvisia, 7 Rivers, Summerfest Tech, Ontech Talent, Michael Best, Associated Bank, and Slalom.

For more information, visit us at STEAMinMKE.com.

Summerfest TechAI 2025 is the can't-miss tech event this summer (June 23-26)!

In this episode, Adam and I chat with Lena DeLaet from Summerfest TechAI and Jonah Turner from Molson Coors about the revamped pitch competition, which is broken into four industry tracks, plus new additions like "Entrepreneur Alley" for founders and a tech talent lounge for job hunting.

What makes it especially cool is that corporate sponsors like Molson Coors aren't just writing checks - they're guaranteeing actual meetings for pitch winners.

Oh, and we also talk about when deer attack.

Anyway, jump into this one then get over to Summerfest-Tech.com to register for FREE!

Experience Milwaukee is proudly presented by Summerfest, Crescent 9 THC Seltzers, Habush Habush & Rottier, and Milwaukee’s very own Palermo’s Pizza.

In this jam-packed episode of the Experience Milwaukee podcast, we dive deep with Patty Pritchard Thompson from the Bayview Neighborhood Association in our Hometown Voices segment sponsored by Habush Habush & Rottier. Patty reveals the magic behind Chill on the Hill – from rubber chicken symphony performances to how this all-volunteer operation draws 5,000 people weekly with help from 75+ local sponsors!

Then, in our VISIT Milwaukee segment, John Blust delivers the ultimate June festival guide, covering everything from free Father's Day perks (hello, dinosaurs and geodes!) to an absolutely stacked weekend featuring Polish Fest, lakefront art shows, and the East Side's Summer Solstice street takeover before Summerfest kicks off.

The Milwaukee Admirals' segment features Mr. Bitter who shares the secrets of hockey's offseason hustle, from maintaining those deep fan friendships to creative promotions like $17.76 Uncle Sam bobbleheads that double as military ticket donations – plus hints at next season's surprises!

We close with our nvisia tech segment with two tech scene dynamos Lena DeLaet and Dana Moyano, fresh off their 40 Under 40 wins, who school us on Milwaukee's tech ecosystem while juggling their own massive events – proving why our city's collaborative spirit makes every conference and gathering uniquely valuable!

Experience Milwaukee is presented by Summerfest and Crescent 9 THC Seltzers and our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

In this action-packed episode of the Experience Milwaukee podcast, we kick things off with John Blust from Visit Milwaukee delivering the scoop on this month's can't-miss events – from Mother's Day festivities to the metal-meets-birds contrast of Milwaukee Metal Fest and the Brew City Birding Festival!

Then, tech guru Peter High from Metis Strategy drops knowledge bombs about AI's future and shares how "infinite interns" might just be the perfect analogy for understanding today's tech revolution.

Our newest Hometown Voices segment partner, Habush Habush & Rottier, gives us the inside story on personal injury law with some wild examples (jet ski injuries – who knew?).

We wrap with an electrifying conversation with the legendary voice of the Milwaukee Admirals, Aaron Sims, who'll make you want to rush to Panther Arena on Sunday, May 11th to catch playoff hockey at its finest – even if you've never watched a game before!

Experience Milwaukee is presented by Summerfest and Crescent 9 THC Seltzers and our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

This episode of the Experience Milwaukee podcast is all about Summerfest TechAI 2025!

Of course Adam and I are joined by Lena DeLaet from Summerfest TechAI who enthusiastically reveals this year's expanded programming at the Potawatomi Casino Hotel.

We’re also joined by tech powerhouses Tim Dickson (Regal Rexnord) and Sri Kantamneni (Schreiber Foods) share how Wisconsin manufacturers are already delivering real AI value, while EJ Sesselmann from Salesforce brings national expertise to the local scene.

We even have a special guest appearance and announcement from Dolores Ocampo Brown from Carroll University—Wisconsin's first-ever university—who announces that Carroll University is not only sponsoring the Summerfest TechAI Experience Milwaukee podcast lounge but also launching the state's first....well, you'll have to listen to find out!

Even better, nearly ALL of Summerfest Tech AI is completely free—including industry tracks, networking happy hours (and "happy hour hugs"), AND access to Summerfest itself.

There are just two paid components: the golf outing that kicks off Monday morning and the specialized tech-ed certification courses offered in partnership with Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition (with half-price discounts for Tech Hub members).

Experience Milwaukee is proudly presented by Summerfest, Crescent 9 THC Seltzers, and Habush Habush & Rottier.

This episode serves up a feast of laughs and local gems!

Tim and Jeffrey from Milwaukee Wine Academy dish on their mission to make wine less intimidating while hosts joke about finding wines for "beer guys."

The tech segment goes hilariously off-the-rails with AI confessions, including Ryan admitting he has philosophical car conversations with ChatGPT about engine braking!

Admiral's VP "Bitter" receives hilarious catchphrases like "You're just experiencing the bitter truth!"

And VISIT Milwaukee's Ian endures Adam's cringe-worthy Mason Crosby joke: "Right between the Mason jars!"

Pure Milwaukee madness you won't want to miss!

Listen for more from the people who are making a difference in your city!

Experience Milwaukee is presented by Summerfest and Crescent 9 THC Seltzers.

In this spirited March 2025 installment of EXP MKE, hosts Steve and Adam celebrate International Women's Month with a lineup of Milwaukee's finest (even though they kick things off with a dude hockey defenseman Kevin Gravel of the Admirals).

The tech spotlight shines on Dana, Lori, and Bella, who share their digital triumphs and Women in Tech adventures.

Claire buzzes through Milwaukee's March calendar, from fish fry Fridays to NCAA madness,

And it wraps up with Julianna from Three Sheeps Brewing who pours details about the Women's Beer & Spirits Collective's charity events.

And yes, Adam's still mourning the discontinued Cashmere Hammer beer throughout!

Jump in and listen to the people making it happen in Milwaukee!

Step into 2025 with Milwaukee's favorite local podcast, presented by Summerfest and Crescent9 THC Seltzers!

Steve and Adam start with "In the Corner with the Milwaukee Admirals" and drops you rinkside with star player Cal O'Reilly for a candid conversation about team culture, on-ice intensity, and what makes Milwaukee feel like home, presented by the Milwaukee Admirals.

Next, sponsored by NVISIA, get an insider's look at Milwaukee's booming tech revolution with visionary Milky Way Tech Hub founder Nadiyah Johnson, who's putting the city on the national tech radar.

Discover your next adventure with the VISIT Milwaukee monthly events segment, packed with can't-miss January happenings across the city.

Cap it off with Winter Break founder Kate Pociask (kjpociask@gmail.com), who's transforming Milwaukee's winter blues into an adrenaline-pumping festival featuring everything from dog sledding to winter surfing this February.

TextMKE Giveaway: Want to rock authentic Admirals gear?

Text JERSEY to 414-338-8911 by Sunday, January 5th at 5 PM CT for your chance to win one of two jerseys!

Welcome to another episode of our Milwaukee Legends Series, presented by the iconic Harley-Davidson, a committed partner not only to this podcast, but to our local and global communities. The Milwaukee Legend Series has been presented in partnership with Harley-Davidson’s 2024 Homecoming Celebration.

This episode features Milwaukee legend Ian Abston, one of the founders of Newaukee, the Hoan Group (connecting executives in Milwaukee and Madison) and Forward48 (developing young leaders around age 30), and the very visible civic project Light the Hoan.

Ian’s vision for our city involves creating a sustainable ecosystem to help the next generation of civic leaders execute their ideas more efficiently, learning from his own experiences of both success and difficulty in implementing major projects.

Jump in to learn more about your city and the people that make it great!

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

Welcome to another episode of our Milwaukee Legends Series, presented by the iconic Harley-Davidson, a committed partner not only to this podcast, but to our local and global communities. The Milwaukee Legend Series has been presented in partnership with Harley-Davidson’s 2024 Homecoming Celebration.

This episode features Milwaukee legend Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown - Business Improvement District 21.

My conversation with Beth reveals her deep personal connection and nostalgia for Milwaukee.

From her memories of Sunday drives in a wood-paneled station wagon with her family to riding the number 10 bus downtown as a teenager, Beth gives us genuine joy and pride in seeing downtown Milwaukee's transformation from a place where "you could roll a bowling ball down Wisconsin Avenue" to today's vibrant community.

Jump in to learn more about your city and the people that make it great!

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

In this episode, Adam sits down for a great conversation with Ike Winter, a Milwaukee wood artist who creates elaborate pieces using only found materials and minimal tools.

Ike has gained national attention through viral works like a giant Crayola box, driven by his philosophy of "delusional optimism" - the belief that any day could bring amazing opportunities while staying authentic to his creative vision.

It’s an inspiring story of how focusing on what naturally interests you, combined with an optimistic mindset and dedicated work ethic, can lead to unexpected success.

Jump in with us to learn more about your city and the people that make it great.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is the Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official legal THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own, NEWSKI. Finally, get in on random Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you Milwaukee.

Welcome to another episode of our Milwaukee Legends Series, presented by the one and only iconic Harley-Davidson, a committed partner not only to this podcast, but to our local and global communities.

The Milwaukee Legend Series has been presented in partnership with Harley-Davidson’s 2024 Homecoming Celebration.

This episode features Milwaukee legend Fred "Freedo" Berry, a former Milwaukee Admirals hockey player from Edmonton who came to Milwaukee in the 1980s and never left, eventually opening the Hockey Haven, a beloved hockey superstore. 

After playing junior hockey from age 15 and spending time in various minor leagues, Berry found his home in Milwaukee where he played for seven years, drawn to the city's down-to-earth people and strong sports community - and he continues to serve the hockey community today through his store which has become something of a local gathering spot, like "the old town barbershop.”

Jump in with us to learn more about your city and the people that make it great.

Thanks for listening. 

Love you, Milwaukee.

This episode, featuring our friends Jonah from Molson Coors and Blanca from i.c.stars, was recorded LIVE at Summerfest Tech 2024.

Since 2018, Summerfest Tech has been shining a spotlight on Wisconsin's growing tech scene, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to network, educate, and celebrate tech in our great city.

In this episode we learn more about how i.c.stars builds successful partnerships with companies like Molson Coors through a 16-week technology internship program for non-traditional candidates. From this, Molson Coors has hired nine i.c.stars graduates.

The partnership goes beyond just financial sponsorship, focusing on mentorship, career development, and community engagement, with Molson Coors being named i.c.stars Corporate Partner of the Year in 2023 and offering opportunities for graduates to work across their North American operations.

Jump in to learn more about your city and the people that make it great.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official legal THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on random Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you Milwaukee.

In this episode, Steve explores First Stage Milwaukee's production of Pete the Cat through conversations with educators and a couple of kids who, although they had a great experience, were endearingly random in their humorous responses.

The two kindergarten teachers, Erin and Andrea, shared their experiences taking their classes to see the show, explaining how Pete the Cat's message of resilience resonates with young students and highlighting First Stage's commitment to high-quality theater for children and all age audiences.

The interviews Connor, age 6, and Fletcher (Steve's son), age 5, bounce delightfully between plot points about "the BW bus" and entertaining tangents about naked crayons, showcasing the wonderfully unpredictable nature of talking theater with kids.

Jump in to learn more about your city and the people that make it great.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official legal THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on random Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you Milwaukee.

In September, NVNG, a boutique investment firm based in Madison, WI, hosted a unique event in Milwaukee called Venture North, to showcase how collaboration between venture capital and corporations can further propel Midwestern industries to become engines of economic growth.

During the event, I sat down with Nick Fallucca, a speaker at Venture North and Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Milwaukee based Palermo's Pizza.

You might know Palermo's as the frozen pizza of choice in your grocery store. But, in this conversation, Nick reveals how Palermo’s is quietly working to transform Southeast Wisconsin into the Silicon Valley of food and beverage.

It's a great example how an established brand can use its expertise in manufacturing and distribution to lift up the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Jump in to learn more about your city and the people that make it great.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official legal THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on random Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you Milwaukee.

October is Wisconsin Tech Month so we’re going to drop a number of special episodes recorded at Summerfest Tech 2024 that took place this summer.

Since 2018, Summerfest Tech has been shining a spotlight on Wisconsin's growing tech scene, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to network, educate, and celebrate tech in our great city.

This episode features an interview with Betsy Allen-Manning, a keynote speaker, author, and business consultant on workplace communication and relationships.

In a super fun conversation, Betsy provides insights from her book "Win with People," which offers weekly tips on workplace communication while emphasizing the importance of empathy in leadership and the role of forgiveness in reducing workplace stress.

She also shares some hilarious things that have happened when giving keynote presentations, including a cockroach on stage!

Join us as we explore how technology and people are shaping experiences and driving innovation in unexpected places in Milwaukee.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official legal THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on random Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you Milwaukee.

In this episode, Steve and Adam chat with Jacob, the co-owner of Fox Den, a unique smash burger restaurant located inside Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee.

Jacob shares the ups and downs of the journey from food truck aspirations to establishing a brick-and-mortar location to running a restaurant known for unconventional flavor combinations.

Here are a few highlights:

• Jacob and his partner Sherry Lynn started with a food truck concept, faced challenges, and eventually found a home for their unique smash burger restaurant called Fox Den at Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee.
• Fox Den specializes in "weird" burgers with unconventional flavor combinations inspired by regional cuisines, aiming to provide customers with dishes they can't easily make at home.
• While being located in the back of the distillery presents visibility challenges, the restaurant is gaining popularity through word-of-mouth and offers fast service for their creative menu items.

Jump in with us to learn more about your city and the people that make it great.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is the Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official legal THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own, NEWSKI. Finally, get in on random Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

October is Wisconsin Tech Month so we're going to drop a number of special episodes recorded at Summerfest Tech that took place this Summer. 

Since 2018, Summerfest Tech has been shining a spotlight on Wisconsin's growing tech scene, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to network, educate, and celebrate tech in our great city. 

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, where we chat with Adam, the Information Technology Director. 

From managing the complex systems of a 24/7 entertainment venue to implementing cutting-edge audiovisual technology in their new sportsbook, Adam's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of tech in Milwaukee. 

Join us as we explore how technology is shaping experiences and driving innovation in unexpected places in Milwaukee.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on our random Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

In this episode, Steve talks with his new friend Greg who runs an annual Halloween event and fundraiser, called Scare ALL, with his family and neighborhood in Cudahy.

The "ALL" stands for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Here are a few highlights:

• With the idea coming from his wife, Greg transformed his family's Halloween tradition into a community fundraiser for leukemia research after his 18 month old son’s battle with leukemia.
• The event, Scare ALL, combines a haunted walk with family-friendly activities, aiming to raise awareness about childhood leukemia while having some fun.
• Greg’s positive outlook, despite facing his child's life-threatening illness, stems from realizing that everyone's difficulties are different and choosing to focus on hope and giving back to the community.
• And like all great stories, the scariest part comes near the end of this episode.

Jump in to learn more about your city and the people that make it great.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on our random Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

Welcome to another episode of our Milwaukee Legends Series, presented by the one and only iconic Harley-Davidson, a committed partner not only to this podcast, but to our local and global communities.

The Milwaukee Legend Series has been presented in partnership with Harley-Davidson and their 2024 Homecoming Celebration.

This episode features Milwaukee Legend Corey Zetts, Executive Director of the Menomonee Valley Partners: someone you may not know even though her fingerprints are on many of the things you experience in Milwaukee today.

For example…

• Menomonee Valley Partners has transformed 300 acres of mostly vacant land into a thriving area with 70 companies, 5,500 jobs, and 60 acres of parks and trails over the past 25 years.
• Future plans focus on creating a riverwalk along the Menomonee River, improving public access, and connecting surrounding neighborhoods to the valley's resources.
• The project emphasizes collaboration with other city districts, neighborhoods, and corporate partners to create a connected system of amenities benefiting the entire Milwaukee community.

You’ll get all of this and more as we dig in with Corey.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

Welcome to another episode of our Milwaukee Legends Series, presented by the one and only iconic Harley-Davidson, a committed partner not only to this podcast, but to our local and global communities.

The Milwaukee Legend Series has been presented in partnership with Harley-Davidson and their 2024 Homecoming Celebration.

This episode features Milwaukee Legend, Julia Taylor - someone you may not know even though her fingerprints are on many of the things you experience in Milwaukee today.

And she’s not even close to being done.

• Julia has been a pivotal connector between grassroots initiatives and top-level business leadership in Milwaukee, fostering collaborations that have shaped the city's development.

• As a visionary for urban transformation, Julia spearheaded the reimagining of spaces like the Grand Avenue Mall, demonstrating her ability to see potential in underutilized areas long before others.

• Despite transitioning from her leadership role at the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Julia remains actively engaged in city-shaping projects like the Beer Line Trail extension, showcasing her enduring commitment to Milwaukee's growth.

You’ll get all of this and more in a connecting conversation with Julia who has been one of the most influential people in Milwaukee as well as Steve's life.

Thanks for listening. 

Love you, Milwaukee.

In this episode, Adam talks with Bill Robarge who runs @BeerLoversOfWI on Instagram. Here are a few highlights:

• Bill started this Beer Lovers of Wisconsin community about 10-12 years ago because he couldn't find a beer-centric community in Milwaukee at the time.
• Adam and Bill talk about everything from evolving beer preferences to broader trends in the beer industry, noting a shift towards more approachable, lower ABV beers like lagers, and a general downward trend in alcohol consumption.
• The two also highlight the importance of community in the beer scene. Bill emphasizes that for him, beer has always been more about the community than consumption.

It’s a fun listen not just on beer, but on the evolution of Bill’s influencer status in Milwaukee.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on our weekly Monday Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

Welcome to another episode of our Milwaukee Legends Series, presented by the one and only iconic Harley-Davidson, a committed partner not only to this podcast, but to our local and global communities.

The Milwaukee Legend Series has been presented in partnership with Harley-Davidson and their 2024 Homecoming Celebration.

This episode features Milwaukee Legend, a guy simply known in Milwaukee as Saz - founder of Saz’s one of the most famous restaurants, mozzarella sticks, and brands in our city.

In this heartfelt conversation Saz and Steve…

• Talk through his humble beginnings and growth, starting his business in 1976 with a $10,000 loan from a friend.
• The importance of relationships and giving back, he and his staff are actively involved in various community organizations around Milwaukee.
• Saz’s business philosophy focused on treating employees well and staying committed to the cause.

All of this and more in a conversation that ends with a little emotion from Saz.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

In this episode, Steve and Adam talk with friend of the show Rick Czaplewski - cancer survivor, author, speaker, and dedicated Milwaukeean.

Here are a few highlights:

• Rick, a two-time cancer survivor, wrote an award-winning book called "Better Dirty Than Done" about his experience with cancer, which has led to speaking opportunities to inspire others.
• Diagnosed with cancer as a freshman in college, Rick initially went through treatment alone, not wanting to be known as "the cancer guy" on campus.
• With powerful analogies, like being denied entry to a baseball game, Rick helps people understand the experience of cancer diagnosis and survivorship.

We take this conversation seriously, while also having some great laughs with Rick.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on our weekly Monday Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee

In this episode, Steve and Adam have a lively conversation with a popular Milwaukee food influencer, MG who is EatWithMe_MKE on Instagram.

MG is passionate and honest, often sharing brutally frank opinions about local spots.

And what we love about her is she approaches food with a mix of reverence and humor, equally comfortable critiquing high-end restaurants and drunkenly devouring hot dogs.

Jump into this one for…

• MG's background growing up with diverse culinary influences from her Sicilian father and American mother, which shaped her approach to reviewing restaurants
• MG’s top restaurant recommendations and personal food experiences in the city
• MG’s favorite "hidden gem" restaurants

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on our weekly Monday Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

In this episode, Steve has a lively conversation with friend Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, an amazingly creative and giving person who is also an author passionate about telling stories, helping others tell stories, and supporting those stories with data.

Steve and Cole chat about a number of things including…

• How Cole, a former Google employee, turned her passion for data visualization into a series of bestselling books and a thriving company, Storytelling with Data.

• Cole’s latest venture - a children's book featuring a number-drawing dragon - which aims to introduce data literacy concepts to young minds in a fun and engaging way.

• And of course they explore Cole's journey from San Francisco to Milwaukee.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on our weekly Monday Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

Welcome to another episode of our Milwaukee Legends Series, presented by the one and only iconic Harley-Davidson, a committed partner not only to this podcast, but to our local and global communities.

The Milwaukee Legend Series is presented in partnership with Harley-Davidson and their 2024 Homecoming Celebration.

This episode features Milwaukee Legend Cecelia Gore, executive director of the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation.

• How has Cecelia leveraged baseball to create significant community impact in Milwaukee over the past 15 years?
• What’s it like leading large-scale $700M fundraising campaigns to hands-on community events such as bicycle building with pro baseball players?
• How does Cecelia approach community engagement while developing solutions through partnerships in supporting community initiatives?

All of this and more in an informative conversation.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

In this episode of the Experience Milwaukee podcast, Adam and I have a super informative and high energy conversation with James Wilson from the US Patent and Trademark Office.

• What are James's emotional connections to the patents he’s worked on in his career?
• How can you access USPTO resources and assistance to navigate the patent/trademark process independently?
• We even reveal a little “secret” around the USPTO’s growth strategy and expansion.

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on our weekly Monday Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.

In this episode, Steve and Adam have a lively conversation with Devin Eichler, Founder & CEO of Crafty Cow.

They go beyond the burgers and chicken and dig into the lesser known crafty stories…

• The origin of the "bar" that Devin and his wife created in their living room during COVID, which later inspired the cozy living room areas in Crafty Cow locations.
• The fake wedding Devin hosted in college where he "married" someone he hadn't met before.
• And why you get to sit with a trophy when ordering Crafty Cow's award-winning chicken sandwich?

Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Wanna meet some Milwaukee Legends? Check out the series in our stream, sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And our official THC beverage partner is Crescent9 Seltzers. Intro and outro music provided by Milwaukee’s own NEWSKI. Finally, get in on our weekly Monday Milwaukee experience giveaways at TextMKE.com.

Thanks for listening.

Love you, Milwaukee.