You’ve seen the billboards. You’ve seen the commercials. But what is Russell Nicolet from Nicolet Law really like? Well we dig into a number of important issues with the "fear the beard" guy: What’s his favorite beer, band, and gas station? How are lawyers received in Northern Wisconsin? Where do the creative ideas for the commercials come from? How did he get started and why Milwaukee for expansion? And, of course, what’s it like having five kids and how important is Kwik Trip on road trips? Al...
Feb 20, 2024•36 min
Hey, everyone, it's Steve. Welcome to episode one of our brand new 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 happening July 25–28. Learn more at Harley-Davidson.com ! Look, I am a Milwaukeean to my core. I care deeply about how people experience my city. Which...
Feb 19, 2024•20 min
This episode is a brand new collaboration we have with CreativeMornings, a monthly gathering of the world’s largest face-to-face creative community, which recently relaunched in Milwaukee. Check it out and subscribe to the email list at creativemornings.com . Alea Cross from the CreativeMornings Milwaukee team steps in as guest host to interview Hundred Acre Founder, Chris Corkery. Hundred Acre is a unique urban farm providing a rapid response solution to food insecurity in the heart of Milwauke...
Jan 26, 2024•18 min
If you think there’s nothing to do in Milwaukee in the winter, you’re wrong! Because in this episode we give you 5 things to get out and do with your date, friends, or family. You pick. We can’t do everything. Listen to this episode if: You like ice skating You like animals You like snow You like warm temperatures You like parks Oh and, no big deal, we throw a bonus 6th BRAND NEW TO MILWAUKEE event in here for no reason except that we love you and want you to experience Milwaukee in the best way...
Jan 21, 2024•34 min
In this episode, Steve and Adam are joined by Annie Werner, Host of Creative Mornings Milwaukee, the world’s largest face-to-face creative community. Annie jumps in to tell us more about the organization and, to join forces with Steve against Adam in a grueling trivia face off on the history of Tied Houses in Milwaukee. How and why did Tied Houses get started? Which breweries launched and participated in the concept? Where do Tied Houses exist in Milwaukee today? What’s on deck for Creative Morn...
Jan 15, 2024•35 min
This is our year in review 2023: all the cool things we’ve done to help you get more connected to the people, places, and events that make Milwaukee amazing. And that list of things is long. Here are a few hints… Of course, bourbon and beer played significant roles in our activities this year! How in the hell did we manage to give away nearly 1,200 Summerfest tickets? Emerging musicians will continue to be a huge part of the show! We closed out the year by launching a digital discount card that ...
Dec 30, 2023•1 hr
Steve and Adam recorded this episode live at Fuel Cafe with Alyssa Weninger, the Catering and Events Manager, and one of Fuel’s regulars, Evan. The four of us talk through the vibe at Fuel Cafe and how to experience the place like a regular, even if you’ve never been there. From brunch to nightlife, what’s the best way to dive into Fuel Cafe? How do you navigate the cafe / bar / restaurant? What if you want to host an event there? From our experience, most days Fuel Cafe is a pretty chill place....
Dec 26, 2023•19 min
This episode was recorded live at Summerfest 2023 with our intern, Katie. Katie joined the team last summer. She’s passionate about film, is super talented already at age 17, totally gets Steve and Adam's humor, is fast and flexible in her work, and is always open to feedback and suggestions to get better. Katie jumps in to share her thoughts on her internship experience, which included having fun at Summerfest. Katie also reveals which bands she’d like to see at Summerfest in 2024. Experience M...
Dec 03, 2023•10 min
In this episode, Steve is joined by Six: an extraordinary and passionate part of the team at Saint Kate The Arts Hotel smack dab in the middle of the Theater District in downtown Milwaukee. What’s the experience like at Saint Kate? What makes the experience, food, and drink unique? Why is Saint Kate perfect for everything from gathering with friends to the before and after stop when you’re downtown to see a show? Why is it a perfect place for locals to stay, yes stay, anytime? Is there still a s...
Nov 16, 2023•23 min
Welcome to another Tech in MKE episode: conversations with business leaders who have a connection to Milwaukee where we chat about the state of technology in their organizations, our community, and how both come together to attract talent and make Milwaukee more “techie”. This episode features Sean Jones and Jeremy Kedziora (Kejora), a couple of computer science professors from Milwaukee School of Engineering. The two of them sat down with Steve to talk about artificial intelligence: AI. What is...
Nov 14, 2023•22 min
In this episode, the guys drink a lot and share even more about where you can stay up to date on what’s happening in Milwaukee. Want the inside scoop, take a listen. Oh, and, disclaimer: there is a several minute rant on cargo shorts. It’s hilarious. Enjoy a few laughs with Steve and Adam, then get out and experience Milwaukee. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwauk...
Nov 04, 2023•29 min
Welcome to another Tech in MKE episode: conversations with business leaders who have a connection to Milwaukee where we chat about the state of technology in their organizations, our community, and how both come together to attract talent and make Milwaukee more “techie”. This episode features some of the attendees of the Tech Trailblazers: Celebrating Women in Wisconsin’s Tech Ecosystem event held at NO Studios as the launch of Women in Tech Week that is part of Wisconsin Tech Month. What’s the...
Oct 24, 2023•11 min
Welcome to another Tech in MKE episode: conversations with business leaders who have a connection to Milwaukee where we chat about the state of technology in their organizations, our community, and how both come together to attract talent and make Milwaukee more “techie”. This episode features Jonathan Stark, Executive Director of Northwestern Mutual’s Data Science Institute. Jonathan brings an amazing background, perspective, and experience to the role, the company, and our community. Just what...
Oct 16, 2023•14 min
In this episode, Steve is joined by Adam Hug and Caitlin Doll from Saz’s State House, an iconic Milwaukee spot that originally opened as a saloon in 1895. As someone who has had more than his fair share of sampler platters at many different local festivals, It was amazing for Steve to get to know Saz’s better and learn how many different food and drink options Saz's really has! How did the building transition and change hands since 1895? From game day to the famous Friday fish fry, what’s the vi...
Oct 14, 2023•13 min
This episode features Steve Sazama, president of Saz’s Hospitality Group . Steve and our Steve dig into all things about the history of this authentic and cherished Milwaukee brand. How did Saz’s get off the ground? How did they initially get into places like Summerfest, State Fair, and major sporting events? How was the famous and sooooo delicious Saz’s mozzarella stick born? What are some of Steve’s favorite memories and why do relationships matter? All of this and more in this entertaining an...
Oct 05, 2023•19 min
Welcome to another Tech in MKE episode: conversations with business leaders who have a connection to Milwaukee where we chat about the state of technology in their organizations, our community, and how both come together to attract talent and make Milwaukee more “techie”. This episode features Paul Stillmank, founder of 7Rivers ( https://7riversinc.com ), his latest venture that was recently announced. After a 13 year process of taking his first company, 7Summits, to a successful outcome, Paul...
Oct 03, 2023•13 min
Welcome to another Tech in MKE episode: conversations with business leaders who have a connection to Milwaukee where we chat about the state of technology in their organizations, our community, and how both come together to attract talent and make Milwaukee more “techie”. This episode features three leaders in Milwaukee’s tech community: Nadiyah Johnson , founder of Jet Constellations, Milky Way Tech Hub, and the Milwaukee Tech podcast, Natalie Nelson , Executive Director of Women in Technology,...
Sep 28, 2023•16 min
This episode is Steve and Adam riffing on what they love most about doing this podcast along with their fave spots in and around the city. Hidden gems? This episode has them. Body shots? Yep. Plus our top 5 loves. Kinda. We were drunk. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee and our official presenting partner is Groth Law. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee...
Sep 11, 2023•39 min
Welcome to another Tech in MKE episode: conversations with business leaders who have a connection to Milwaukee where we chat about the state of technology in their organizations, our community, and how both come together to attract talent and make a city more “techie”. This episode, recorded at Summerfest Tech 2023, features three key leaders and influencers in the Milwaukee tech community: Nadiyah Johnson, founder of Jet Constellations, Milky Way Tech Hub, and Milwaukee Tech podcast among other...
Sep 11, 2023•11 min
This episode features Shannon Ross, Executive Director of The Community and Ruben Gaona, Executive Director of My Way Out. Both organizations focus on critical work in helping currently and formerly incarcerated individuals plot a new path, a new journey, a way out. What was it like for Ruben and Shannon after incarceration? What have they built to help others in the same circumstances? How is it working? Why are they doing this important work in Milwaukee? What was their turnaround moment? Take...
Aug 30, 2023•42 min
In this fast chat, Steve has a fun conversation with Carl Brown from the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival. On its surface, the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival has great music from superstars of jazz along with a few uniquely fun events. But as Steve dug in with Carl, he learned how festival proceeds go to support scholarships, school music programs, healthcare initiatives and more across the Milwaukee community. All to honor Carl's parents. Take a listen, then get your tickets for great music and a great cau...
Aug 23, 2023•13 min
Welcome to another Tech in MKE episode: conversations with business leaders who have a connection to Milwaukee where we chat about the state of technology in their organizations, our community, and how both come together to attract talent and make a city more “techie”. This episode, recorded at Summerfest Tech 2023, features Kathy Henrich, CEO of the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition and Author of Silicon Heartland, Rebecca Fannin. What’s happening in the Midwest in terms of tech, investment, and tal...
Aug 21, 2023•14 min
This episode features Groth Law, Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorneys. We’ve all seen the marketing of personal injury lawyers on billboards, while streaming our favorite shows, and at events around town. Well, founder Jon Groth joins Steve and Adam for a lively, behind-the-scenes discussion about how these types of firms work. A second reason Jon joins the show is to announce a new partnership between Groth Law and Experience Milwaukee. Groth Law’s financial support allows us to continue to high...
Aug 18, 2023•22 min
Soooooo much fun in this episode with Jim Kanter, Chief Commercial Officer at The Central Standard Craft Distillery. Steve and Adam tap into Jim's expertise on all things Central Standard. From how the craft distillery got started to how you can enjoy the spaces at the Crafthouse like a regular. Seriously, whether you want to stop in for an Old Fashioned, host your wedding rehearsal dinner, or bring in a corporate group, Central Standard has you covered. From bourbon to pour ready cocktails, you...
Aug 10, 2023•24 min
Welcome to another Tech in MKE episode featuring a crew of both tech and Milwaukee fans who came together to recap Summerfest Tech 2023. Summerfest Tech aims to showcase technology and provide a forum for attendees from the tech and business communities to network, educate, and celebrate the evolution of technology. What does Summerfest Tech mean to the community? What does Summerfest Tech mean to attendees? How did the event grow this year and what’s in store for the future? All of this and mor...
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 31 min
This one gets wild as we play truth or shot with Heidi and John from New Barons Brewing Cooperative. Are secrets unveiled? Will we share too much? Do we get drunk? The answer to all of these questions become clear immediately. All in the spirit of announcing the Experience Milwaukee beer re-release in the New Barons taproom on Thursday, July 27 from 5-10pm! Join us as Steve and Adam will be serving beer from 5-6 and then there for the rest of the night. Thanks for listening. We love you, Milwauk...
Jul 20, 2023•42 min
Welcome to another episode that is part of our Work in MKE series where we showcase the dynamic culture of companies in greater Milwaukee. This episode features Kohl’s, a longstanding, committed company in one of our Milwaukee suburbs. Who did Steve talk to? The one and only Michelle A Banks, Kohl’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. It was a pleasure to be able to sit down with Michelle and get an update on the company, its investment in the community inside and outside of the org...
Jul 17, 2023•17 min
Welcome to another episode of Tech in MKE: conversations with business leaders who have a connection to Milwaukee where we chat about the state of technology in their organizations, our community, and how both come together to attract talent and make a city more “techie”. In this one, Steve is joined by Tom Murray, Harley-Davidson’s General Manager of Digital Growth. Tom and Steve have a friendly conversation about the numerous ways tech shows up inside this iconic brand. From that, they look to...
Jul 11, 2023•32 min
Welcome back to our Summerfest Series, a celebration of music including some of the bands playing at Summerfest 2023. As locals, we might take it for granted, but Summerfest provides an amazing opportunity for artists to connect with longtime supporters and gain exposure with new fans. Milwaukee needs Summerfest. This episode features Milwaukee based band, Gold Steps, a band with what we describe as a high energy indie rock vibe. And wow were they hilarious and fun to talk to. Take a listen to t...
Jul 01, 2023•16 min
Here's another episode from our Summerfest Series, a celebration of music including some of the bands playing at Summerfest 2023. As locals, we might take it for granted, but Summerfest provides an amazing opportunity for artists to connect with longtime supporters and gain exposure with new fans. Milwaukee needs Summerfest. This episode features Milwaukee based artist, Cullah, someone who’s as brilliantly intentional about his craft as he is amazing as a musician. Take a listen then get over to...
Jun 30, 2023•25 min