Eau Claire Hometown Media

Scott talks about the prospects for a new commercial district in Altoona and also, what is expected to be a big summer of decisions for the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport

On the heels of a very successful Women’s World Hockey Championship help in Utica, NY, UW-Eau Claire women’s hockey head coach Erik Strand stops by to discuss the growth of the game. His path to getting behind the bench and how he balances being a full-time coach along with having a successful career in banking.

Differences he has noticed recruiting and coaching women and men.  What, if any, alterations are there.

#hockey #collegecoaching #womenshockey #collegehockey #wisconsin #podcast

Growing what is strong and fixing what is wrong are typically why people enter their dogs in classes .  But, Heather reminds us the importance of being ahead of potential problems by being proactive. How just a little work now with your puppy can prevent issues later.

#dogs #puppies #puppycare #dogcare #dogmom #doglover #wisconsin #podcast

Scott is fed up that the area missed out on embracing two "major" events that were recently held in town.

We also hear how the sport of pickleball is growing in the area from a local organization.

Dan discusses some sales he has had the shop (and he explains why you might not hear about them in other places)... the lack of attention on all the GOOD the Republican party has accomplished...a BINGO fundraiser he has coming up...and learning something new about a certain commandment.

#politics #gunsales # honestcommentary #republicans #wisconsin #podcast

The team touches on the recent Apple River stabbing case that came to judgement last week.  They break it down with their legal minds. We learn why homicide cases are more likely to go to trial in Wisconsin and what are the thresholds for “self defense” arguments?

Also, in this particular case the defendant testified why it was likely he would because of the defense.

#law #legal #selfdefense #lawyers #wisconsin #podcast

The Golden Spike is a legacy in Altoona’s center and we meet the owner Mark Anderson and their executive chef Akenya Aman. 

Mark became owner in 1989 to fulfil the entrepreneurial bug and hasn’t looked back. That entrepreneurial spirit is what led him to want to try something not typical for a “Bar & Grill” type restaurant.

Akenya has a fun background. He came to Eau Claire from Africa in 1989 and through many jobs he has had, he has become well known in the region for infusing an African spin on his menus. His mother is his biggest influence in the kitchen.

#food #kitchen #altoona #eating #creativecooking #AfricanCuisine #newflavors #wisconsin #podcast

Guests Kia Xiong-Yang and Mang Yang

Kia is a board member with Feed My People and she brings along her husband to discuss their story growing up and their involvement in the organization.  Both immigrated to the United States as young children, the challenges they faced growing up and why Eau Claire has become a great home.

We learn how role of, or the lack thereof, of food and its impacts on the community drew their attention.

#nonprofit #community #givingback #volunteer #charitable #hmong #immigration #culture #wisconsin #podcast

Turning your hobby into a business?  Own a few rental properties? How do you go about forming a business from a legal standpoint?  What are “corporations” and “LLCs” and what does it mean to form one?  No matter how big or small you plan your business to be, its important to register and gain certain protections.

#business #startingabusiness #owningabusiness #smallbusiness #legal #law #wisconsin #podcast

The early MLB results and playoff positioning in the NBA and NHL

Lily and Janee from the Chippewa Valley Vipers rugby team talk to Scott about the organization. We hear why people play for them. the goals for the organization and the special type of culture/bond that exists in this sport

#rugby #passion #womenssports #adultsports #playingforfun #wisconsin #sport

The gang from Let’s Paint the Town preview the fourth annualcevent in downtown Menomonie coming this July. Its an event that draws hundredscof vendors and thousands of visitors.  So what is returning and what will be new this year? We learn about one aspect this year that is already drawing interest from parties out of state.

Where were you when..

Also, Scott has high praise for Pablo Center, Eau Claire's City Manager and a National Fast Food Chain with a local presence.

How has the transition to Sun County Airlines gone for the Chippewa Valley Airport?  What is the realistic possibility of more direct flights, or another carrier anytime soon?  Charity Zich joins us on Banker with a Beer to answer these and other questions while enjoying a tasty Summer Shandy!

#leisuretravel #airlines #travel #airports #wisconsin #podcast

Sam and John, who've operated Mancino's in Eau Claire for almost 30 years share their story with passion and enthusiasm. How they have aimed for create a positive workplace, running a business together as husband and wife and overcoming various challenges including having to merge multiple locations into a new spot.

Jordan Blue – Chippewa County 4-H Coordinator

We get a deeper understanding of what the 4-H organization does.  Its history and the programs they sponsor. Jordan grew up a member of a 4-H  organization and now heads up Chippewa’s. 4-H covers a wide of activities from livestock to shooting sports.

Which programs are the most popular locally? The importance of educating the whole population of the role of agriculture in daily lives (and how the industry is more than farming)

#kidsactivities #education #wisconsin #agriculturejobs #workinginag #workingwithanimals #shootingsports #podcast

Linda brings on a longtime friend, Andy Nebroak  who is a familiar name to many in the area.  He recently took over ownership of Impact Advertising after years with the Eau Claire Express and involvement with a number of local civic organizations.

He discusses the process of purchasing Impact and the help he has received from the previous owner.

The value they provide their clients and the benefit of being a local business when working with other locals.

Why use them over a site like 4Imprint?

His transition from working in sports, to non-profit to Impact.

Balancing work and family time

The two discuss fun gift ideas for clients and one of Linda’s funny failures

Sam Johnsen – StrongSoul Sculpt Cycle & Flow

We meet the owner of a unique, local fitness business.  Sam owns and leads classes in cycling and yoga. So what led this lifelong local native to transition from marketing to jumping into her own business?

Sam breaks down some stereotypes with who benefits from yoga regardless of experience and ability. The importance of “dropping the ego” and her passion for fighting body image insecurity.

#fitness #hotyoga #exercise #healthy #wisconsin #podcast #passion #joy

Eclipse experience, spring sports and Scott is frustrated by Travis Hakes’ supporters. He also has a direct message of advice for Travis along with an offer for him. Scott compares what's happening to Travis to a couple of career failures he has had in recent yearsSomehow a local foundation, little league and school district take stray fire in this episode

The solar eclipse and Baltimore bridge accident seem cut and dry...but with if these are NOT. Dan dives into the potential that each means more.

He also breaks down what you should do if you find yourself in a hostile situation

#solareclipse #thetruth #baltimorebridge #wisconsin #podcast

A bundle of energy, Charlie Walker, tells us all about the local business environment and the resources available right now for entrepreneurs . Charlie heads up the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation so he is as tied in as anyone to the ebbs and flows, and what is on the horizon, in terms of the regional business climate.

#smallbusiness #owningabusiness #wisconsin #podcast #finances #manager #boss #economy #business

Dene Mosier – President and CEO of Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

Mike brings on Dene on to share about a unique program that the Discover Center has been doing for children and families in their area.  We hear about their “Play Free Program” and how it serves and builds families that otherwise would likely not get the experience.  It’s a program that connects incarcerated mothers with their children.

This goes way beyond a “field trip” for these mothers out of the prison to see their kids.  Its much more detailed than that.

#mothers #familyservices #children #rehabingrelationships #raisingkids #kansas #wisconsin #experiences #fostercare #prison

Meet Alexis, The Newest Money Donuts Host!

Team Money Donuts has signed Alexis as our newest podcast host! In this episode, Alexis introduces herself and confirms the team’s commitment to bringing you the financial education info you love – while enduring plenty of silliness. Welcome to Money Donuts, Alexis!

Derek is talking about the final week of the NHL season as well as women's sports

We catch up with Becca and Dustyn as they begin to wind down the third season of this podcast. One of the longest running series we have, the hosts turn the questioning on themselves.  A chance for them to discuss a variety of topics

-         Dustyn reflect on a visit to the Elk Mound Castle

-         Hoffman Hills in the winter

-         An upcoming trip to Gettysburg

-         Feeling of nostalgia and cosmic forces

-         New stores that have opened downtown

-         And Dustyn shares a detailed Bigfoot Story

We take a dive into what the results of this week's various local elections mean for the community. What trends do they show and what do we take away from them?

Join Scott, Jerry and returning guest, Karen Hebert from Spectrum Insurance Group talking about challenges in the healthcare industry today and thoughts on HSHS and Scared Heart. What can we do for a more effective system? The beverage for the week is Two Can Play this Game from Tripping Animals Brewing. She has a passion for healthcare and would like to see a system built that supports wellbeing. Health is a different pursuit about basic things like getting enough sleep, healthy social relationships, physical environments, and while insurance doesn’t address those, healthcare could. It would be optimal if everyone had coverage. Listen in to learn more!

#healthcare #insurance #medicalcosts #wisconsin #podcast

April is Hmong Heritage Month which is a great opportunity to talk with Blia Schwahn, who is the coordinator of Hmong relations with the Eau Claire Area School District.  Born in Laos, Blia and her family have been entrenched in the area since 1980 when she was 14 years old. 

She reminds us of the connection between the U.S. and the Hmong peoples.  The arduous four-year journey her family and others had to make as refugees before the opportunity to come to our country. Her first memories of landing in America, changing the way she dressed and becoming accustomed to our diet. Surviving discrimination but also the “wins” that accumulated over the years.

#refugees #immigrants #laos #hmong #hmongheritagemonth #wisconsin #podcast #culture

The business of real estate agents has been in the news withca recent settlement nationally. Brian and Linda explain what these “changes”ccould mean nationally but also why the proposed alterations may not impact us Wisconsincas much.

The pair also recap a recent trip to Fargo, ND and enjoying good local restaurants there.

#realtors #realestate #commision #buyingahome #sellingahome #wisconsin #podcast

Guest: Dr. Chad Barfknecht:  Clear Connection Chiropractic

Chad is the co-owner of a local chiropractic office and he tells Ashley the story of how he entered the field and eventually taking over an existing practice and making it his own.

He details the “whole body care” chiropractic work is and what doctors like him focus on. The push to be proactive with health. We also learn about their pediatric care and how he works with newborns, infants and children as art of that proactive care.

He also tells us what you should be doing right NOW in your daily life

#health #wellness #chiropracticcare #familymedicine #familyhealth #wisconsin #podcast

We've got a double Alert! Both a NIMBY Alert and Donkey Alert are active! A new major development is being planned in Eau Claire and we discuss.Scott also details an experience with a homeless individual at the L.E. Phillips Library last week

Guests: Shane Bauer and Neil Mathwig w/ Pillar Bank

This episode is about relationships and community (not banking!). Pillar Bank is one of many great corporate partners with Valley Sports Academy and we learn more about this local financial institution from Shane and Neil. Both have deep roots in the area and in banking.  They dive deep into relationship and culture building within their business (the same things about culture in sports translate to business).

#relationships #teamchemistry #staffengagement #employees #teamwork #wisconsin #podcast

Kevin and Stephanie with Herrick and Hart discuss real estate from a legal perspective.

Specifically, what are the different types of ownership from a legal description and how are disagreements resolved? Many joint real estate partnerships get muddied over the years as various segments are passed around and can lead to varying opinions. For example, if one parties wishes to sell and another doesn’t?

Kevin also provides an update on the boundary map case in the Wisconsin Supreme Court and its resolution. 

#legal #realestate #property #wisconsin #podcast #court

Learn more about the people who make the theatre scene run in our area. From performers to directors to promoters. Hear their stories as they bring their passion for entertainment and art to the area.

#entertainment #art #actors #performers #theatrelife #communitytheatre #wisconsin #podcast

Welcome back to Marcon Unleashed, Dan is back this week bringing you the latest updates on the ship that crashed in Baltimore, terrorist in the middle east, and more. Don’t forget to put in your votes for the upcoming election. Check out the shop this month for the latest  merchandise and deals.

Top Income Tax Tips: There are only a few things in life that are certain, and one of them is the topic for this episode! The Money Donuts team talks income taxes, sharing tips and personal tax experiences to help listeners feel comfortable when working with a tax preparer or filing their own tax returns. #finances #taxtips #irs #taxes #taxpreparation #money #finances #personalfinance #wisconsin #podcast

4K education in public education is a recent development in Wisconsin, one that many adults never experienced.  So Heidi brings on Laura Traschsel, the 4K Coordinator for the Altoona District to explain what this is.  How is it like/dislike pre-school some may have experienced as they were growing up. What is the purpose of this and the important role it plays leading into kindergarten.

#education #elementary #schools #students #wisconsin #kindergartden #parents #podcast

Election Day is Tuesday April 2nd and Emilie brings on two more candidates for Dunn County Supervisor. A reminder that LOCAL politics is more impactful to our daily lives and here is a chance to hear in-depth thoughts from two individuals who hope to represent the community.  What is their background, their passions and the strengths they feel they’ll bring to the board.

Nicole Lasker is the third generation of her family to operate Lasker Jewelers in Eau Claire, WI (with expansion to Rochester, MN a number of years ago). She talks about staying in the family business but only after gaining experience and perspective working outside of it.

#businesspodcast #entreprenuer #smallbusinessowner #business #marketing #girlboss #wisconsin #podcast

The changes in business locally and in her industry over the last 25 years. Her motto on working with staff, how she remains motivated and ways she has adapted to changing standards over the years

Law Talk Presented by Herrick and Hart

The team touches on a FAQ in terms of car accidents and who pays for what, if injuries are sustained.  Some of your assumptions have some accuracy but you’ll likely be surprised at the depth of the issue.

Why people should always call an attorney following an accident with injuries.

#legal #law #wisconsin #caraccident #podcast #medical #insurance

The fair is much more than just a property, its an entity that means so much to the community. Executive Director Rusty Volk discusses the impact the fair and its various events have on Chippewa Falls and the surrounding area.  Not only in tangible benefits but also in experiences and meaning.

#entertainment #wisconsin #podcast #agriculture #community #passion #fun

Matt Goodland –  Resonance Branding Company

Joe and Bill talk with this fellow local business owner about their new branding and apparel company that has been steadily growing in the area. How did this business start in a crowded field? Some of the some of the obstacles?  What all do they do (its not just some shirts and signs).

Advice his has for anyone starting a business.

#smallbusiness #owner #wisconsin #branding #advertising #marketing #podcast

B.J. comes on the podcast to discuss his latest book “Wisconsin for Kennedy”.  What drew him to writing a book about the 1960 Presidential Primary and the rabbit hole he ultimately fell in. An intriguing listen that details a race that set the course of history.

Oh, and this is Becca’s birthday month. Learn how old she is turning.

#JFK #podcast #wisconsin #writer #history #campaigns #presidents #democrats #republicans

T.J. Atkins – Community Table Director

The Community Table and Feed My People are long time partners, so it only makes sense to have T.J. Atkins on to discuss the partnership.  Along the way, T.J. tells us the story of how she once burned tomato soup and the group discusses the proper name for a midwestern dinner staple.

The Community Table is well-known, but also sometimes misunderstood. T.J. gives us the full rundown. Including “food rescue” partnerships and the role local retailers and food bank play.

#giving #donation #food #joy #volunteer #wisconsin #podcast

This week’s beverage of choice:  Grand Cru Blonde Ale

Guest  Jason Munz VP at Trust Point

Jason has worked with Trust Point Since 2007 and comes on the podcast to discuss why his company makes Thanksgiving “less weird”.  Confused? Once you listen that statement will make sense.  Along the way we learn about getting comfortable with the “uncomfortable” and how he developed a passion for an industry few aspire to enter as kids growing up.

#finances #retirement #estateplanning #future #money #podcast #wisconsin

Ashley and Melissa go in depth as to what "digital banking" is and ways listeners can take advantage of it. The range of services it offers and how it provides an opportunity for people to be even more aware of their own personal finances.

#banking #money #education #technology #wisconsin #podcast

Alexia is back with her take on banana cream pies. Plus updates on her gymnastics and figure skating schedules, a recap of a recent fourth grade field trip and her plans for Spring Break

Rusty gives us an inside look at the safety protocols at the fairgrounds. Both for the permanent structures but also the vendors. From making sure food/drink is safe to walkways are designed properly to crowd control.  We learn how every detail of the fair is consistently tweaked in order to adhere to the most safe environment. From adjusting to the closure of St. Joes to metal detectors for grandstand shows.

#events #crowds #wisconsin #podcast #safety #fun #passion #energy

The Chippewa Valley Phoenix are the area's newest minor league sports team and we meet the owner Jay. Where are the players coming from and who are they looking for. What can fans expect and why his operation differs from others who have failed here.

#sports #athletes #football #wisconsin #podcast #passion #fun #entertainment