This week on 365 Amplified, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garton cover a wide range of stories and conversations, from exploring the outdoors to diving deep into sports and fitness. Rob shares his experience at a foraging workshop with Color in the Outdoors, featuring Alexis Nikole Nelson, better known as @BlackForager, and author Sam Thayer. He recounts the lessons learned about wild plants, including how to make sumac lemonade and the surprising spiciness of wild mustard. Omar previe...
Jul 04, 2025•55 min
Today, we announce the date and opening of registration for the eighth annual 365 Leadership Summit , the state's premier professional development, networking and community building event. Plus, we wrap up the sixth annual list of Wisconsin's Most Influential Asian American Leaders and share a bit of basketball news. Then, Rob Chappell visits Shakkiah Curtis at the Black Business Hub, where this weekend she celebrates the grand opening of Tailer Nicole, her wine and cupcake bar, and where she ho...
Jun 27, 2025•25 min
This week, Rob Chappell brings you news and voices from the community while the rest of the team is scattered. Highlights include: 📰 Top Stories: The Center for Black Excellence and Culture announces it has raised all $31 million for construction—debt free! A Black Lives Matter sign at Crestwood Elementary is vandalized. The Girls State Soccer Tournament kicks off with Madison-area teams in the finals. Forward Madison celebrates Juneteenth with a special jersey designed by local artist Brooklyn...
Jun 20, 2025•34 min
In this week’s episode of 365 Amplified , the team dives into the Juneteenth celebrations happening around Dane County and across Wisconsin, previews summer opportunities with the Maydm youth STEM program, and spotlights Madison Night Mares softball team in their second season. Then, Rob is joined by Anna Gonzalez, Alys Dickerson, and Patty Heaston of American Players Theatre to discuss how the repertory company is expanding access and representation in its programming. The conversation highligh...
Jun 13, 2025•50 min
This week, the 365 Amplified crew covers a range of timely and thought-provoking topics: 🏥 Meriter Nurses Win Contract Fight Omar recaps the surprising outcome of the Meriter nurses' five-day strike, which ended in a new contract featuring an 8% raise over two years and steps toward improved staffing ratios and safety accountability. 🏛️ Hospitals Shift DEI Language Amid Political Pressure Rob breaks down new reporting from Wisconsin Watch on how major healthcare systems like SSM and UW Health ...
Jun 06, 2025•32 min
This week on 365 Amplified , the team dives deep into some of Wisconsin’s top stories: UnityPoint Health Meriter Nurses Strike: Omar reports from the picket line as nurses strike for better pay, safer staffing, and improved patient care. It's the first strike of its kind at Meriter, and we break down the stakes, the support, and what might come next. Read Omar's reporting here and here . Madison Mallards Celebrate 25 Years: Nick heads to the Duck Pond to catch the latest in family fun—including ...
May 30, 2025•44 min
In this week’s episode of 365 Amplified , hosts Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, and Omar Waheed dive into local news and the real-world implications of artificial intelligence in journalism. Omar recaps his trip to Detroit for the Online News Association’s AI Summit and reflects on how media organizations must evolve alongside emerging technologies. The team also covers local news, including the opening of the Atwood Music Hall and an ongoing grassroots campaign to recall a DeForest villag...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min
This week, the full crew is in the house! Rob, Stephanie, Dave, Omar, and Nicholas share stories and sharp insights from across Wisconsin. 🖌️ A South Side Tribute in Color Dave shares the story behind a vibrant new mural on Park Street honoring South Side Madison legends, designed by the Hip-Hop Architect Michael Ford. Hear how families and community members reacted to seeing their loved ones immortalized in art. Read the story here. 🎷 Jazz, Justice & Mary Lou Williams The crew discusses t...
May 16, 2025•51 min
Underground Hiking Collective founder Jasmine Banks joins the show today to give some recommendations for great places to enjoy the great outdoors for a hike or a paddle in and near Madison. She also dispenses some words of wisdom on what to wear and bring to ensure you have a good time on the trail. Read what she and three other experts have to say here. Plus, local men's health advocate Gary Davis chats with Rob about next weekend's free health screening event and the disparities he's faced in...
May 09, 2025•58 min
In this episode of 365 Amplified , Rob Chappell is joined by Dave Dahmer, Nicholas Garten, and Omar Waheed for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from NFL Draft day thrills to the real-world impact of abrupt federal funding cuts. Dave kicks off the show with a firsthand account from the NFL Draft in Green Bay, where Packers fans celebrated the unexpected first-round pick of wide receiver Matthew Golden. The crew breaks down the electric atmosphere and discusses the surprising fal...
May 02, 2025•36 min
This week on 365 Amplified , Rob Chappell, Stephanie Diaz de Leon and Omar Waheed bring you an episode of the week's most important news. 🎉 The crew starts with a look at the NFL Draft in Green Bay, including how the Packers are using the moment to promote diversity through workshops and vendor opportunities. Read our story on Off the Trail, the new Indigenous-owned cafe in Green Bay, here. 🧃 Omar gives a flavorful recap of a THC beverage tasting event in Madison, spotlighting several local ve...
Apr 25, 2025•56 min
\🎙️ Episode Title: Hands Off Black Women, with Dana Pellebon 📅 Release Date: April 18, 2025 🕒 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 🎧 Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, Nicholas Garton 🎙️ Special Guest: Dana Pellebon Episode Summary: In this week’s deeply personal and unapologetically honest episode, the 365 Amplified team is joined by special guest Dana Pellebon, Board Chair of Urban Triage and former Dane County Supervisor, who offers insight, receipts, and unwavering truth a...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Release Date: April 11, 2025 Duration: 1h 8m Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed 🧵 Episode Summary: This week, the crew dives deep into the University of Wisconsin’s decision to abruptly cancel monthly BIPOC employee lunches—an initiative that served as a space for connection, networking, and support for people of color on campus. The hosts unpack what this means for employee retention, equity efforts, and the larger implications of anticipatory compliance ...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 8 min
This week on 365 Amplified , the crew is back and broadcasting from the new Madison365 HQ at Starting Block in the Spark Building to recap a week filled with local political shakeups, Open Cup soccer drama, and some serious inspiration on and off the court. Stephanie, Rob, Omar, and Nick dive into: Madison city council election results —Who held on, who was unseated, and some eyebrow-raising campaign suspensions and controversies. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race —Susan Crawford’s win, Brad Schi...
Apr 04, 2025•43 min
This week, the team is back from a much-needed break and ready to break down the big news in Madison and across Wisconsin. 🧑⚖️ Local Elections Are Here (April 1!) The gang discusses the impact of local elections, including the upcoming Madison Common Council races and the statewide constitutional amendment on voter ID. Confusion around election dates? We break down what’s real and what’s political misdirection. Rob and Stephanie unpack why these “small” elections actually matter—local governme...
Mar 28, 2025•56 min
Just popping into your feed to mention a couple Wisconsin colleges and universities seeking new leaders as well as updates on the Wisconsin Badgers, Forward Madison and Abundant Life Christian School.
Mar 21, 2025•5 min
Release Date: March 15, 2025 Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, Nicholas Garten Guest: Alder Nikki Conklin This week on 365 Amplified , we cover everything from local protests to a Madison magician making waves. The episode features a conversation with Alder Nikki Conklin , who is running for re-election in District 9. She discusses key issues in her district, the importance of the Cares Team , and why local elections directly impact everyday life. We also break down the U...
Mar 14, 2025•53 min
In this episode of 365 Amplified, hosts Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Dave Dahmer cover a range of critical issues impacting Wisconsin and beyond. Topics Covered: 🕊️ Ten Years Since Tony Robinson – The hosts reflect on the police killing of Tony Robinson a decade ago, how it shaped media coverage of racial justice in Madison, and whether anything has changed in policing and public perception. They discuss ongoing legal efforts from Robinson’s family and the troubling co...
Mar 07, 2025•54 min
Hosts: Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed, David Dahmer Date: February 28, 2025 Episode Summary: This week on 365 Amplified , the team dives deep into major education and policy developments impacting Wisconsin’s communities of color. From the controversial WIAA decision to ban trans girls from girls' sports to the abrupt withdrawal of the Forward Career and College Academy charter school proposal, we unpack the latest news shaping education and youth opportunities. We also discuss the e...
Feb 28, 2025•30 min
🎙️ Episode Overview: In this week's episode, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garton break down the latest election results, highlight business updates in Madison, and discuss community issues making waves across Wisconsin. Special guest Alicia Williams, a write-in candidate for the DeForest Village Board, joins the conversation to talk about her candidacy and the fluoride controversy prompting her run. 🗳️ Key Topics Discussed: Election Results: Madison City Council Primaries: Surprisin...
Feb 21, 2025•44 min
In this week's episode of 365 Amplified , hosts Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, and Omar Waheed dive into a mix of local news, politics, and community events. Here's what you can expect: County Board Drama : The team delves into a recent controversy involving the Dane County Board and the Department of Human Services. Amy Everett, who was appointed to lead the department, withdrew her candidacy after a meeting with County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner. The hosts discuss the fallout, the polit...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this week’s episode of 365 Amplified, we dive deep into the latest political and community issues affecting Madison and beyond. Hosts Stephanie Díaz de León, Nicholas Garten, Omar Waheed, and Rob Chappell break down the impact of federal executive orders on DEI programs, local nonprofits, and essential services. They also discuss the importance of local elections, the ongoing protests against Project 2025, and critical housing and public safety concerns in Madison. Special guest Sheri Carter ...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Hosted by: Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, and Omar Waheed Episode Highlights: 🔹 Independent Monitor Controversy – A follow-up on last week’s interview with outgoing Police Chief Sean Barnes, addressing misconceptions about the Office of the Independent Monitor. Discussion on its actual role in proactively analyzing police data and ensuring accountability. 🔹 Madison School Board & Charter School Debate – Recap of the recent school board hearing, where public testimony overwhelmingly support...
Jan 31, 2025•58 min
In this week's episode of 365 Amplified , Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garton dive into some of the week's most controversial topics. They explore Elon Musk’s recent use of the Roman salute (and its troubling implications), media accountability in covering "controversial gestures," and the historical and cultural significance of these symbols. The team then transitions to a broader discussion on community trust and public safety with outgoing Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes. In an in...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of 365 Amplified , the Madison365 reporting team dives into key local and community-driven topics, from upcoming events to deeper systemic conversations: Community Highlights (0:55): Celebrate MLK Day with various events around Madison, including a day of service and an awards ceremony. Discover Centro Hispano’s new space through their vibrant Tres Reyes Celebration on January 18th. Learn about "Comedy for a Cause," a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County on Janua...
Jan 17, 2025•58 min
On this week's 365 Amplified, hosts Stephanie, Nicholas, Omar and Rob talk through the upcoming renovation of the lakefront along Lake Monona and what it might mean for traffic and city life over the next few years; the Madison Black Business Awards; and the full slate of candidates for Madison Common Council.
Jan 10, 2025•26 min
Hosts: Stephanie Díaz De León, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed and Rob Chappell Episode Summary: In this episode of 365 Amplified , the hosts return from their holiday break to discuss community updates, and upcoming events in Madison. Here's what they cover: MLK Day Events (6:35): Omar provides a guide to the exciting lineup of Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in Madison, including choir rehearsals, observance ceremonies, and a keynote from Donzaleigh Abernathy at UW-Madison. Luna’s Grocery Expan...
Jan 03, 2025•57 min
This week, Stephanie, Nicholas, Omar and Rob have updates on the Abundant Life Christian School shooting (1:06) and some thougts on the ethics of covering such a tragedy as journalists. Then, Myra McNair, a family therapist and founder of Anesis Therapy, joins us (9:01) to talk about how to support your children and your community in the wake of the trauma -- and maybe how to prevent a future event like this one. We follow that with an update on Madison Alder Charles Myadze and the domestic abus...
Dec 20, 2024•59 min
On this week's podcast, we have still-developing news, as Madison Alder Charles Myadze was censured by the Common Council on Tuesday and arrested on felony domestic violence charges Thursday. Plus, Crushin' It Apparel will be required to pay workers back wages plus interest after they were fired for unionizing. Links Madison Alder Charles Myadze arrested in domestic violence case Madison Common Council censures Myadze Madison Alder Myadze denies harassment and abuse allegations, but won’t run ag...
Dec 13, 2024•32 min
In this episode of 365 Amplified , hosts Stephanie Diaz De Leon, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed and Rob Chappell reflect on the challenges and developments of a tumultuous November. The team dives deep into: Sun Prairie School District : The resignation of Renee Coleman and allegations of bias and mismanagement within the district. Story here. Mental Health and Policing : A detailed discussion about the arrest of Willie Triplett, the role of the CARES team, and gaps in mental health response servi...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min
