Did you know that if you read just 10-15 minutes a day, you can read 10-15 books a year?! A pair of Milwaukee men are making sure access to those books is easier than ever. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with the co-founders of Helium Books, Ian Buchanan and Jacob Carlson. They launched the book delivery system back in 2019. Helium Books brings your favorite titles right to your doorstep and (for now) it's free of charge. You'll learn why Buchanan and Carlson quit their respective careers to pursue Helium Books. Plus, you'll get a list of recommended reads for all ages and interests.

      
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Helium Books Co-Founders Ian Buchanan and Jacob Carlson

Live talk radio from Brian Kilmeade, FOX Across America, and Guy Benson, plus the FOX News primetime programs. Listen to The Five, Special Report with Bret Baier, Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingle, Shannon Bream and more!

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This couldn't be a podcast in America's Dairyland without some focus on cheese. Many of us eat it and love it, but how much do we actually know about cheese? In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with George Crave. He's the head cheesemaker and one of four brothers behind Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese in Waterloo. George has traveled the world studying the art and science behind the process and now Crave Brothers makes some of the best mozzarella, curds, and more. In this episode, you'll learn some of the secrets behind cheese production, the best and weirdest cheeses Crave has tasted, and how they can power the entire farm and factory with manure. 

      
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Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese's George Crave

During the pandemic, non-profits like Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin have provided lifesaving food and resources for more and more people in need. The person coordinating the efforts to tackle hunger is President and CEO Patti Habeck. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with Patti to talk about the road to solving food insecurity. You'll also learn how an interest in Game Theory helped Patti prepare for the pandemic and the increasing number of people getting help for the first time. Plus, Patti tells us about a magical childhood experience at the MECCA and how she ended up in a car with Johnny Cash.

      
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Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin's Patti Habeck

It certainly was a wild year for the Milwaukee Bucks -- from life in 'The Bubble,' to one of the greatest moments in Bucks history when Giannis Antetokounmpo committed to Milwaukee long-term. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Bucks sideline reporter, Zora Stephenson. Zora shares why she wasn't surprised the Greek Freak signed that huge contract and her favorite personal story from covering the two-time MVP. She introduces us to some new faces on this year's roster and explains how strange it is to cover games in a mostly-empty Fiserv Forum. Plus, you'll learn about Zora's background as a baller and growing up in a world of DC politics.

      
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Bucks Sideline Reporter Zora Stephenson

Picture this: You're working with tens of thousands of farmers around the world who rely on your company for their livelihoods. Imagine handling all that at the ripe age of 23. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Josh Shefner, founder and CEO of Agricycle Global, a Milwaukee-based group that helps women in Africa and the Caribbean produce dried fruit that's sold here in the U.S.  While you may not recognize the name, Shefner has an incredible story. You'll learn how a college project at MSOE turned into his life's work. 

      
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Agricycle Global's Josh Shefner

It's a problem that's plagued southeast Wisconsin for a while and this year's pandemic has only inflated the number of people in our community who are hungry. Ever since Sherrie Tussler became Executive Director of Hunger Task Force in 1997, she's never experienced a year like this. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with Tussler to talk about how COVID-19 has affected Hunger Task Force. Tussler explains how her small crew has risen to the challenge and one of the good things she hopes comes out of this pandemic. You'll also learn what hot pepper-loving gorillas have to do with the Hunger Task Force Farm.

      
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Hunger Task Force's Sherrie Tussler

A bright light in the dark. There have been plenty of challenges in 2020, but one dream in particular, became reality for one of Milwaukee's most influential voices. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Ian Abston. Ian and his partners completed a four-year journey to light the entire Hoan Bridge with thousands of state-of-the-art LEDs that put on a show each and every night. But a beautiful sight isn't all this bridge offers -- Carl and Ian talk about the impact this project could have on attracting people to Milwaukee. You'll also learn about how Ian first got involved in the city and shares a few great stories about a New Year's Eve party that didn't quite go as planned at the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the one time he picked up a hitchhiker in the rain, only to find out if was one of Milwaukee's biggest names. Plus, you'll hear how the pandemic could make Brew City the next 'it' destination.

      
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Light the Hoan's Ian Abston

He's a grad student from India who fell in love with Milwaukee. Sharad Chadha went all in when he bought Sprecher Brewing back in January, becoming the President and CEO. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Chadha about buying the company from the founder of Milwaukee's first craft brewery. Chadha walks us through the ways COVID-19 changed business almost immediately. Another topic in the episode: hard seltzers. Chadha explains why those hard seltzers are here to stay and the lifeline they've given Sprecher Brewing. You'll also learn about the efforts to make Sprecher a national name.

      
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Sprecher Brewing's Sharad Chadha

In an effort to keep players, staff, and fans safe and healthy as they finish up its interrupted season, the NBA has created the Bubble. While the rest of us watch from hundreds of miles away DJ Shawna is right in the middle of the most fascinating sports experiment of 2020. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Shawna Nicols. Nicols grew up in Milwaukee and played basketball in high school, at Wisconsin for college, and went on to play professionally overseas. She has also become one of the top entertainers in Brew City, as the Official DJ for the Milwaukee Bucks, the Wisconsin Badgers, and more. You'll learn what life is actually like in the Bubble, how it felt to open for Lizzo at Summerfest and the inspiration behind her #DareToBe brand.

      
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Milwaukee Bucks DJ Shawna Nicols

He transitioned from a career in architecture to making things happen with a microphone. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh chats with 88Nine Radio Milwaukee's Tarik Moody. Moody who left Minnesota for Milwaukee, talks about the risk he took on a new station in a new city. The pair talk about how the radio station adapted amid the coronavirus pandemic while still serving the community. Moody also shares his thoughts on the ongoing protests in Milwaukee and cities across the U.S. following the death of George Floyd. You'll also hear some of Moody's favorite foods, video games, best building in Milwaukee, and new music artists you need to know.

      
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88Nine Radio Milwaukee's Tarik Moody

It's time to (finally) talk baseball! Like everyone else in 2020, the Milwaukee Brewers had to press pause when MLB suspended its season in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh checks in with Sophia Minnaert to find out what we should expect from a 60-game slate that comes with plenty of rule changes and new faces on the roster. Minnaert has been part of the broadcast team on Fox Sports Wisconsin since 2013. She also has an interesting background -- growing up as the daughter of a high school football coach in Madison and fluent in Spanish thanks to her Costa Rican mom. She also has plenty of good stories about Christian Yelich, Bob Uecker and more. 

      
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Milwaukee Brewers Reporter Sophia Minnaert

Just three months ago, COVID-19 forced schools across Wisconsin to shut down and shift to distance learning. How do you make the move to online schooling when many of your 78,000 students don't have access to the internet and 80% are economically disadvantaged? That was the challenge facing Milwaukee Public Schools amid the pandemic and it's something Wendell Willis is still focusing on. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with the Executive Director of the MPS Foundation. As the former Chief Operating Officer for the district, Willis explains the way MPS got food, materials, and technology to students most in need. The pair also talk about the #ConnectMilwaukee program that aims to level the playing field by providing high-speed WiFi to students, and training and support to teachers. Plus, in the midst of protests over racial injustice, Willis shares his message for young demonstrators and his own experiences as a black man coaching soccer in the suburbs.

      
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MPS Foundation's Wendell Willis

A symbol of strength and hope roaring through America's skies. Proud Wisconsin native, Maj. Michelle Curran, went into pilot training with no flight experience. Now, she breaks the mold as just the fifth female pilot in the history of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Maj. Curran from her home base in Las Vegas. Hear how COVID-19 shifted the team's mission, what it's actually like to withstand that wild gravitational force while pulling off harrowing maneuvers, and how she hopes to be an inspiration to the next generation of young pilots. And yes, there's a 'Top Gun' question or two. 

      
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USAF Thunderbirds Pilot Maj. Michelle Curran

Back in March, Alex Lasry found out the COVID-19 pandemic had not only canceled his wedding but also put his team's pursuit of a championship on hold. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh chats with the Bucks Senior VP about what it will take for the NBA season to resume and how, even if the Democratic National Convention goes virtual, it can still turn Milwaukee into a major player on the national and global stage. You'll also hear about Lasry's time working in the Obama White House and his favorite restaurant takeout during this time of social distancing.

      
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Milwaukee Bucks Senior VP Alex Lasry

When you're a man with big ideas, it helps to have an MVP or two on speed dial. A self-described 'people person,' Omar Shaikh is one of the most connected people in Milwaukee. Partner in SURG Restaurant Group, the new 3rd Street Market Hall, Chairman of the Board for VISIT Milwaukee, and the list goes on and on. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Shaikh talks about all those things, plus how amid a pandemic, he reached out to two big Milwaukee sports stars who stepped up in a big way to help front line workers. Shaikh also opens up about the very sobering numbers for not only his restaurant, Carnevor, but the industry as a whole.

      
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SURG Restaurant Group's Omar Shaikh

In his long career, Paul Bartolotta has never seen anything affect the restaurant industry like the coronavirus. Many of his peers are offering takeout and curbside pickup, but in the episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Bartolotta explains why Bartolotta Restaurant Group decided to close all its locations. He also goes into the changes patrons may see when things eventually open up again. You'll also hear stories from Bartolotta who has spent time in kitchens around the world, including the legacy his late brother Joe leaves behind in Milwaukee. Plus, you'll learn the one thing Paul Bartolotta won't eat.

      
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Bartolotta Restaurant Group's Paul Bartolotta

For more than 30 years, Discover Wisconsin has shown off the best our state has to offer: The people, the places, the things that make Wisconsin special. And for seven years, Mariah Haberman has served as one of the show’s hosts. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, The Evansville native and UW-Oshkosh product join the podcast to discuss what drew her back to her home state, some of her wildest experiences over the years and why she’s a huge proponent of traveling abroad all by yourself at least once in life. One note: We did tape this before the coronavirus pandemic, so no mention of that – but we do have all kinds of great recommendations for where you should go and what you should do when we can travel again.

      
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Discover Wisconsin's Mariah Haberman

Advocate Aurora is not just part of the fabric of Wisconsin, it’s one of the biggest health systems in the U.S. – with hospitals and hundreds of care sites serving millions of patients. One of the people advancing health and wellness far beyond an exam room is Cristy Garcia-Thomas. In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh sits down with the company's Chief External Affairs Officer at her headquarters in Walker’s Point. She explains the ways Advocate Aurora is trying to lessen economic and racial disparities in our community and the larger effect that has on health. And as a proud member of Milwaukee’s Hispanic population and a powerful female executive in the city, they talk about how she’s creating more opportunities for those groups. It's important to mention, this podcast was recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.

      
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Advocate Aurora Health's Cristy Garcia-Thomas

Milwaukee is about more than just beer. And Colectivo is the cream that’s risen to the top of the coffee scene.  In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh heads to their Humboldt Avenue roasting facility to sit down with co-founder Lincoln Fowler. They talk about how a failed speaker business became a caffeinated institution. Also, how the company’s gamble in switching from Alterra to Colectivo paid off with the thriving, expanding business we know today. Plus, from Central and South America to Rwanda and Sumatra – amazing stories from trips that connect Milwaukee to the world. 

      
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Colectivo Coffee's Co-founder Lincoln Fowler

For more than 125 years, the Milwaukee County Zoo has taken guests all around the world without ever leaving Wisconsin -- with animals and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the Midwest. And for the past 30 years, the man guiding the zoo’s efforts has been Director Chuck Wikenhauser.  In this episode of Deff-initely Milwaukee, Carl Deffenbaugh talks with Chuck about the changes he’s seen across the country, and the Zoo’s focus on conservation. They also get into some amazing trips he’s taken to Africa, Iceland and other places, some of the underrated exhibits right here in Milwaukee and more.

      
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