Bridge the City podcast bridges together people, resources, and ideas that inspire Milwaukee to action.
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Host Deisy Espana sits down with Jennifer Bolger Breceda, Executive Director of Milwaukee Riverkeeper. Deisy and Jennifer talk about the vital work Milwaukee Riverkeeper does to protect, restore, and advocate for the Milwaukee River Basin. They discuss the organization's water quality monitoring program, the four pillars of their work, and the major $450 million federal investment currently…
Host Benjamin Rangel provides an overview of the upcoming State Supreme Court Election on April 7th, 2026. To learn more, visit: myvote.wi.gov for more information about where to vote and check your reigstration status. Bridge the City’s election guide on our website. Action Steps: Vote Reach out to others and make sure they have a plan to vote! Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your…
Host Deisy Espana sits down with Isabel Castro, Community Outreach Specialist, and Joanna Bautch, Executive Director of Via Community Development Corporation. Deisy, Isa, and Joanna talk about the work Via does throughout Milwaukee. In particular, they discuss how Via works in Silver City, Burnham Park, and Layton Park to promote business, community, and housing. To learn more, visit: Via CDC’s…
Host Ben Rangel sits down with Michael Nguyen, Executive Director of Teach for America (TFA) Milwaukee. They talk about the origin of TFA in Milwaukee, the work TFA does in the community, and how TFA is supporting educators during a challenging time for educators in the U.S. To learn more, visit: Teach for America Action Steps: Mike’s action steps include: Pay attention to your local school board…
In this special episode we hear from Barbara Cerda and Valeria Cerda about La Revo Books, but you won’t hear a Bridge the City host. Instead, listen to Barbara and Valeria as they discuss the inception of a community-driven pop-up bookstore, why this work is so important to them and their community, and how you can support their work. To learn more, visit: La Revo Books Action steps: Support La…
Host Ben Rangel sits down with Melissa Soberalski, with Soberalski Law, and Fernanda Jimenez, with the Comite sin Fronteras, to discuss how recent immigration policies have impacted the immigrant community in Milwaukee. Ben and Melissa talk about some of the legal advice she’s providing to the immigrant community while his conversation with Fernanda focuses on how local activists are responding to…
Host Ben Rangel sits down with both candidates for the third aldermanic district race on April 1st - Alex Brower and Daniel Bauman. Alex and Daniel discuss their plans for housing, public transit, economic investment, and more. In addition, to the full length conversations with Alex and Daniel, Ben details some information about the other items on the ballot. To learn more, visit: Bridge the…
Hosts Deisy Espana and Ben Rangel discuss the upcoming February 18th primary. They talk about the State Superintendent Race and the 3rd Aldermanic District Race. If you’re not sure what aldermanic district you are in, you can check here. To Learn more, visit: WUWM’s Information about the District 3 Common Council candidates The Daily Cardinal’s Information about the State Superintendent candidates…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Taylor Korslin and John Everitt, volunteers with Rethink 794. They talk about the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s I-794 Lake Interchange Study and why they believe the best option is to remove the freeway. To learn more, visit: Rethink 794’s Website John Everitt’s Website Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Website Action Steps: Contact your…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Jessica Luebbering , former Executive Director of Father Gene’s Help Center. They talk about Jessica’s path to her position, the work of Father Gene’s Help Center, and what dignity means. To learn more, visit: Father Gene’s Help Center Ethical practices in buying clothes Action Steps: Jessica’s actions include: Donate clean, quality clothing to Father Gene’s…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with former Bridge the City producer and current WUWM Reporter, Sam Woods. Sam Woods is the production assistant for WUWM’s Lake Effect. They talk about Sam’s award-winning podcast with Joy Powers, Swing State of the Union, what he learned making the podcast, and what to look out for in the upcoming presidential election. To learn more, visit: Swing State of the…
Hosts Ashlie Benson and Benjamin Rangel discuss the upcoming primary election on Tuesday, August 13th with special guest, Sinclair Johnston. They answer Sinclair’s questions about the election and the two referenda (referendums?) that would amend the state Constitution. To learn more, visit: Map of Assembly Districts in MKE Contested Primaries for Democratic Candidates and their Districts: 8 -…
*Note this is a bilingual episode presented in English and Espanol* Host Deisy España sits down with Elizabeth Ramirez and Alison Hernandez with Muskego Way Forward. They talk about the community organizing and development work of Muskego Way Forward, the importance of grassroots neighborhood social programming, and how you can support their community. To learn more, visit: Muskego Way Forward…
Host Deisy Espana sits down with Ingrid Walker-Henry, the President of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, to discuss the “Say Yes to MPS” campaign. Ingrid and Deisy talk about what the additional funding would mean for MPS and why the District needs additional revenue from taxpayers. To learn more, visit: Say Yes to MPS Website Wisconsin Policy Forum’s Research on the Referendum Action…
Hosts Deisy Espana and Ben Rangel sit down to talk about and discuss the upcoming election on Tuesday, April 2nd. They discuss the referendums on the ballot, the different aldermanic races, and other local elections. To learn more, visit: Myvote.wi.gov ACLU’s Position on Elections Referendum League of Women Voters’ Position on Election Referendum Wisconsin Policy Forum Research and Forum on MPS…
Host Deisy Espana sits down with Galy Montes and Nataly Andrade, co-founders of Mercadera Market. They talk about the growth of Latina owned small businesses and their part in amplifying their voices. Host Deisy Espana se sienta con Galy Montes y Nataly Andrade cofundadoras de Mercadera Market. Hablan sobre el crecimiento de los pequeños negocios de latinas y su objetivo de amplificar sus voces.…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Lauren Hubbard, Director of Community Crisis Services at Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services. Ben and Lauren discuss how her teams serves the Milwaukee Community in a variety of ways and the work of the Mobile Health Crisis Team. To learn more, visit: MKEmobilecrisiscareers.com If you or someone you know is in crisis, call - 414-257-7222 Action Steps:…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down in a Milwaukee Talkie with Brett Heaton Juarez. Ben and Brett talk about their relationship with finances and money, Brett’s new book, “ Change from your Dollars ”, and how to use your time and resources to support the Milwaukee Community. To learn more, visit: Change from your Dollars Brett Heaton Juarez Action step(s): Brett’s action steps include: Find awareness -…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Chris Corkery, CEO of Hundred Acre Farm. They talk about what vertical hydroponic farming is, how it can disrupt the agricultural and food industry, and the difference its already making in our city. To learn more, visit: Hundred Acre Farm Marquette Trinity Fellows Program (from advertisement in introduction) Action Steps: Chris’ action steps include: If you…
Hosts Deisy España and Benjamin Rangel sit down with Nancy Retana, Clean Wisconsin's Resilient Communities Program Director. They talk about Clean Wisconsin’s work to preserve and protect Wisconsin’s clean water, clean air and natural heritage and the City of Milwaukee’s Climate and Equity Plan,. The Climate and Equity Plan was adopted the summer of 2023 and aims to reduce the city’s greenhouse…
Hosts Benjamin Rangel and Deisy España sit down with Anna Dvorak and Gregory Brown with the Power to the People Campaign. They talk about their campaign to turn our energy utilities from an investor-owned utility to a municipally owned and operated utility, the success of the campaign so far, and why they think it’s important for working families in Milwaukee. To learn more, visit: Power to the…
Hosts Benjamin Rangel and Deisy España sit down with Nora Godoy-Gonzalez and Kate Rodriguez the current and future Mexican Fiesta Ambassadors, respectively. They talk about how much fun the Fiesta is, how the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation supports the community year-round, and what the Fiesta means to them and our Milwaukee community. To learn more, visit: Meixcan Fiesta’s Website…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with guest Jacob Krieg, founder of the Milwaukee Central Park Project. They talk about the potential removal of the I794 spur of freeway on the the Eastside of the city and what could take its place. Specifically, they discuss Jacob’s idea to create a park and greenspace, the Milwaukee Central Park, in its place. To learn more, visit: Milwaukee Central Park Project…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Bridge the City teammate and guest producer, Ashlie Benson, to break down the upcoming election on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023. They talk about the following: State Supreme Court Election: Referenda: Milwaukee Public School Board At-Large Election: Municipal Judge Election Wisconsin Court of Appeals Election: To learn more, visit: Myvote.wi.gov Milwaukee Election…
Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Eric Collins-Dyke, Assistant Administrator of the Milwaukee County Housing Division, to discuss Housing First and homelessness in the county. To learn more, visit: Milwaukee County Housing Division Action Steps: Eric’s action steps include: 1. Get involved with nonprofits and organizations advocating for Housing First. 2. Don’t ever forget the humanity of people…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down Judge Everett Mitchell one of four candidates on the ballot in the upcoming Wisconsin State Supreme Court Primary Election. Judge Mitchell was an Assistant District Attorney in Dane County and was elected to the Dane County Circuit Court. He has his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he also was an adjunct professor. The primary election is…
Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Elmer Moore, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), to discuss Elmer’s route to Milwaukee, the challenges of affordable housing, and NIMBYism. To learn more, visit: Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority Action Steps: Elmer’s action steps include: 1) Avoid NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard) when it comes to…
Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Carmen Pitre, President and CEO of Sojourner Family Peace Center, to discuss domestic violence in Milwaukee and the resources available for survivors. To learn more, visit: Sojourner Family Peace Center The Domestic Violence Hotline is 414.933.2722. Action Steps: Carmen’s action steps include: 1. Be a safe space for others–listen and believe people when they share…
Host Ben Rangel sits down with Brandon Tschacher, Founder of the Milwaukee Esports Alliance, and Abbey Diedrich, Director of Career Development at New Horizons Wisconsin, to talk about the state of Esports in Milwaukee. They talk about the MPS summer class that integrated Esports and gaming with tangible tech skills, how Milwaukee is doing relative to other cities when it comes to tech and…
Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Anna Fahrendorf, Communications Associate at Kinship Community Food Center. They discuss food insecurity, what Kinship does, and the importance of dignity. To learn more, visit: Kinship Community Food Center Action Steps: Amanda’s action steps include: 1. Volunteer with Kinship Community Food Center through kinshipmke.org. 2. Be O.K. with learning and listening.…
Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with three guests from Black Arts MKE—Barbara Wanzo, Executive Director of Black Arts MKE; Sheri Williams Panel, Producing Artistic Director of Bronzeville Arts Ensemble and Artistic Associate of Black Arts MKE ; and Dimonte Henning , actor and director and Artistic Director of Lights, Camera, Soul—to talk about their work to expand the availability and quality of…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Audra O’Connell, Executive Director of Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center, to talk about their work serving young people experiencing housing insecurity in the city. They discuss the misconceptions around those experiencing homelessness, the different programs offered by the Center, and how you can get involved to support youth in the city. To learn more,…
Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Chief Municipal Judge Derek Mosely about what it means being a Municipal Court Judge, Judge Mosely’s passion and celebration of Milwaukee’s food scene, and his work advocating for greater racial equity and knowledge of Black history in Milwaukee. To learn more, visit: Municipal Court Website MKE Food Court MEDAL Program (Coming Soon) Action Steps: Have positive…
Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Drew Pond, Director of Development at Stone Creek Coffee, and Kelsey Moses, Excise Tax and Compliance Director at Lakefront Brewery. They talk about what is a B Corp, why the companies decided to pursue such a designation, and how B Corps are reshaping the business community here in Milwaukee. To learn more, visit: B Corporation Lakefront Brewery Stone Creek Coffee…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Woodland Pattern Executive Directors Laura Solomon and Jenny Gropp. Woodland Pattern is a Book Center in Riverwest and offers a wide selection of books, including one of the largest collections of poetry in the country, and a variety of regular events. Ben discusses the origin of Woodland Pattern, what makes it such a unique, vibrant space in Riverwest, and how…
Host Ashlie Benson sits down with Dr. Monique Liston who is the Chief Strategist & Joyful Militant of Ubuntu Research and Evaluation. Ashlie and Dr. Liston discuss what it means to practice joyful militancy, who are community celebrates and how we celebrate them, and the culture Dr. Liston has cultivated at Ubuntu Research and Evaluation. To learn more, visit: Ubuntu Research and Evaluation Dr.…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with one of the co-owners of Lion’s Tooth, a local Bookstore, cafe, and subscription service with small press books and graphic novels. Ben and Cris talk about the origin of Lion’s Tooth, what makes Lion’s Tooth a unique, accessible bookstore, and how she and co-founder Shelly McClone-Carriere took a subscription service to a brick and mortar cafe. Prior to the…
Hosts Benjamin Rangel and Ashlie Benson sit down with one another to ask you all, the listeners, for help! We are looking for new team members and would love your support. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Bridge the City and potentially joining our team let us know! Contact us on social media or through our website bridgethecitypodcast.com . We are looking for people…
Host Benjamin Rangel Sits down with Mark Denning, Eddee Daniel, and Kimberly Gleffe to talk about the Milwaukee River Greenway and Eddee Daniel’s new book on the subject. We learn more about our place in caring for our ecosystems, how Eddee was inspired to write the book, and what Kimberly, her team at the River Revitalization Foundation, and other organizations are doing to care for our parks and…
Host Ashlie Benson sits down with Sheila Plotkin with We, the Irrelevant, Matthew Rothschild with the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and Chris Ford with the People’s Maps Commission to discuss redistricting and fair maps in Wisconsin. They discuss the importance of redistricting to the democratic process, how the maps were drawn in the past, and efforts to ensure the upcoming redistricting process…
Host Ben Rangel sits down with Sam Harshner, Professor at Marquette University, Hillary Laskonis, Coworker at Colectivo Coffee, and Robert Penner, union organizer and former employee of Colectivo Coffee. They talk about the state of unionization in our city, the efforts of Colectivo employees to form a union, and the story of one former employee who accuses Colectivo of terminating him as…
Hosts Kacee Ochalek and Ashlie Benson sit down with Melody McCurtis, Deputy Director of Priorities/Organizer, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, and Miela Fetaw the Co-director of the short documentary Black Vote Rising. They discuss was inspired the documentary, the importance of voter engagement, and the work of Melcafe Park Community Bridges. To learn more, visit: Metcalfe Park Community Bridges…
Hosts Benjamin Rangel and Kacee Ochalek sit down with planning experts Amy Oath and Leif Otteson to talk about the recommendations coming to the South 13th Street and West Oklahoma Avenue corridors. These recommendations come together to inform the City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development’s Southwest Side Area Plan, which helps inform policy and development in the neighborhood. To learn…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with candidates for State Superintendent and Milwaukee Public School Board Districts 4 and 5. The candidates for State Superintendent are Deborah Kerr and Jill Underly. The candidates for MPS Board District 4 are Aisha Carr and Dana Kelley. The candidates for District 5 are Alex Brower and Jilly Gokalgandhi. The candidates answer questions about why they believe they…
Host Sam Woods sits down with Brian Peters, Harvey Ross, Jason Ostrowski, and Lauren Grudzinski, to discuss the importance of snow removal for sidewalk and street accessibility. When snow is left in the sidewalk, on curb cuts, or bus stops, it is difficult for people using wheelchairs (or strollers, anything using wheels) or with low vision to get around. While removing your snow may feel like an…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with UW-Milwaukee professor, Dr. Robert Schneider, to discuss how we can redesign our city to address reckless driving. We discuss how roads could be redesigned to slow down traffic, why our current transportation system needs to be reformed, and how the built environment can make us all safer. To learn more, visit: Dr. Schneider’s Faculty Profile The Coalition for…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with four candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction - Dr. Shandowlyon (Shawn) Hendricks-Williams, Steve Krull, Deborah Kerr, and Sheila Briggs. We talk about their priorities for the first 100 days in office and why they are the best choice for voters in a crowded primary field. To learn more, visit: Dr. Hendricks Steve Krull Deborah Kerr Sheila…
Hosts Kacee Ochalek and Ben Rangel speak with Larry Miller, Outgoing Milwaukee Public School Board President and District 5 Director, about the upcoming Milwaukee School Board Primary Election. Larry explains the ins-and-outs of what it means to be an MPS school board director. After the interview, stick around because Kacee and Ben discuss the various contested races, the candidates, and their…
On an episode originally aired on Riverwest Radio, hosts Ashlie Benson and Kacee Ochalek talk to Dr. Vanness and Dr. Lomas about their new paper, “A Health Opportunity Cost Threshold for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in the United States.” They discuss how pharmaceutical products whose prices do not represent good value for money come at a cost: less affordable healthcare, employers pay more to…
Host Benjamin Rangel sits down again with Anthony McHenry, CEO of Milwaukee Academy of Science, and two of his own students, Rodrigo and Yulian. We talk about how schools have been navigating this challenging time, things to celebrate despite everything, and what you can do to support young people. To learn more, visit: Milwaukee Academy of Science Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee Public…
