Uniquely Milwaukee

A fertile music culture in Milwaukee lays the groundwork for a new art form. In the early '80s there is an opportunity to make Milwaukee into the next Motown -- it just needs one charismatic entrepreneur to take advantage of it.

We begin the search for Milwaukee's first hip-hop song. But first we have to understand the origins of hip-hop before it got to Milwaukee, and the fertile ground for the genre that Milwaukee provided in the early '80s.

Au audible tour of Bronzeville

Revisiting a By Every Measure episode to understand Milwaukee’s housing

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we chat with Tiffany Miller and listen to her poetry - intertwining the worlds of art and business.

As we end our month devoted to Milwaukee Regulars, take a moment to listen to this captivating interview with Gego y Nony recorded at Oakland Gyros, the East Side eatery that became a regular stop for the duo. While sitting in a window booth, they candidly share their experiences and memories at Oakland Gyros, as well as its enduring impact on their journey as talented musicians in the vibrant landscape of Milwaukee's Reggaeton / Latin urban scene.

As our exciting month-long exploration of "Milwaukee Regulars" unfolds, we invite you to join us on a captivating journey to the heart of the city's rich cultural scene. This time, we're delving into the intriguing world of the Milwaukee Public Museum, where we'll be introduced to a dedicated and passionate museum-goer, Laura Keller. With her wealth of knowledge and profound appreciation for the exhibits, Laura will take us on a spellbinding tour, unveiling hidden gems and sharing cherished memories that have made the museum her second home.

As our month dedicated to "Milwaukee Regulars" continues, we head over to the Knights of Columbus banquet hall for their weekly bingo night. You’ll meet some of the dedicated regulars, including one who has faithfully attended for an impressive 30 years. Then we sit down with Dan Castle, the banquet hall’s manager, as he unravels the secrets behind the night’s enduring popularity and the factors that have contributed to its loyal and enthusiastic following (spoiler alert: It has to do with winnings).

The thriving community of regulars at Throttle Twisters, Milwaukee’s first Black biker bar

We're going to spend all of July illuminating the unsung heroes of our city: the dedicated regulars who fuel our bars, restaurants and museums, keeping the city running smoothly.For the first episode, we start with the Milwaukee County Transit System and one of the hard-working bus operators who get us to the places we love. Listen as Rodney White shares his perspective from the other side of the yellow line, why he does what he does, the wonderful people he meets on a daily basis, and his favorite views of Milwaukee from beyond the wheel.

We kick off season 2 of "Be Seen" with a profile of Bobby Rivers, a national television host, entertainer, interviewer and actor who began his career in Milwaukee and eventually landed in New York City hosting his own show on VH1. From starting his career in the 1970s interviewing Bette Davis at WQFM, to eventually hosting celebrity interviews with Paul McCartney, Meryl Streep and many more on national television, Rivers has had an incredible career, both in Milwaukee and beyond. In our first episode, Rivers reflects candidly on the good and bad times he experienced in Milwaukee, including the racism and homophobia that caused him to leave, and how he would often work coded messages into his broadcasts as an open nod to the LGBTQ+ community.This episode contains strong language.

We're back for a second season of Radio Milwaukee's award-winning LGBTQ history podcast, "Be Seen," in partnership with the Wisconsin LGBTQ Histroy Project. In this preview episode, hosts Nate Imig and Michail Takach give a taste of all the exciting stories to come this season. Listen to the first season at RadioMilwaukee.org/BeSeen, and subscribe so you don't miss our second season beginning May 30, 2023.

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we continue our recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by sharing an intimate conversation with Radio Milwaukee's Leana Henderkott, who gives us a unique perspective on the Asian American experience and her own journey to forming a more complete identity.

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the many contributions made by individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. To celebrate this month, we've teamed up with Milwaukee Repertory Theater to feature monologues from the production, The Heart Sellers.

Join Salam Fatayer and Kim Shine in a lively discussion about their top picks from this year's Milwaukee Film Fest lineup. From dramatic gems to thought-provoking documentaries, tune in for an insightful conversation on the films that have captured their hearts and minds.

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we close off our Body Image series by featuring people living with disabilities as we discuss how members of this community challenge inclusion and ableism.

In this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we discuss how transgender individuals navigate body image issues and the unique challenges they face due to societal pressures around gender norms and beauty standards.

In this engaging and thought-provoking discussion, host Salam Fatayer and Element Everest Blanks explore the intricate relationships between Black hair and the hijab. Drawing from their personal experiences, we delve into the complexities and nuances of these often-misunderstood topics.

In today's society, hair has long been associated with beauty standards and can significantly impact individuals' self-esteem and confidence. In this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, both Yomarie Castellan and Yousef Aladdin speak on the complexity of navigating beauty standards.

In a world that constantly bombards us with images of "perfect" bodies, Yasmine Mohamed Ahmed and Iuscely Flores have decided to speak out about their own experiences with body image. In this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, they share their struggles with self-acceptance, the impact of societal beauty standards, and the journey to learning to respect their bodies just the way they are.

HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody is back with co-host Reggie Jackson and journalist Kim Shine for another season of Radio Milwaukee's award winning podcast, By Every Measure. Over six episodes, the trio will take over our regular Uniquely Milwaukee podcast will explore new topics and expand on select topics we covered in season one. By Every Measure Season 2 is supported by The Argosy Foundation.In the finale of By Every Measure season two, hosts Tarik Moody, Reggie Jackson and Kim Shine reflect on the single theme that has threaded through every conversation this season: Black resilience. Each share what resilience means to them and how it drives them today.Then, in this final episode, Reggie shares his personal journey to recovery after suffering a stroke in 2022. Hear how he is building on the legacy of griots who have preceded him, and his message for the next generation, in this intimate conversation with Reggie and Kim. By Every Measure season two is supported by The Argosy Foundation.If you'd like to continue the conversation, we encourage you to join our By Every Measure discussion group on Radio Milwaukee's Facebook page. Each week, we open a dialogue on the episode's topic with daily conversation prompts and a virtual meet-up to discuss responses and navigate the community conversations collectively.

HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody is back with co-host Reggie Jackson and journalist Kim Shine for another season of Radio Milwaukee's award winning podcast, By Every Measure. Over six episodes, the trio will take over our regular Uniquely Milwaukee podcast will explore new topics and expand on select topics we covered in season one. By Every Measure Season 2 is supported by The Argosy Foundation.Black and Brown Americans, for many interconnected and systemic reasons, have struggled to keep pace with their White counterparts in building generational wealth. After exploring some of the reasons earlier this season, Tarik Moody and Reggie Jackson use this episode to discuss solutions around another necessary component to build generational wealth: access to capital for entrepreneurs.Then, Tarik talks with Kevin Newell of Royal Capital, a Milwaukee-based private equity firm pouring millions into developments targeted at closing the racial wealth gap. He shares his $1 billion dollar vision for the city and how his work intersects with community partners. Finally, Ken Robertson of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation explains why representation is so important in this work.If you'd like to continue the conversation, we encourage you to join our By Every Measure discussion group on Radio Milwaukee's Facebook page. Each week, we open a dialogue on the episode's topic with daily conversation prompts and a virtual meet-up to discuss responses and navigate the community conversations collectively.

HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody is back with co-host Reggie Jackson and journalist Kim Shine for another season of Radio Milwaukee's award winning podcast, By Every Measure. Over six episodes, the trio will take over our regular Uniquely Milwaukee podcast will explore new topics and expand on select topics we covered in season one. By Every Measure Season 2 is supported by The Argosy Foundation.In the 1970s, obtaining financing for a home or business was not always an equitable experience, even for qualified Black borrowers. But despite the barriers to capital, one Milwaukee community emerged: Halyard Park. In this episode, Tarik Moody and Reggie Jackson explain how Milwaukee's Black community united to build a "suburb" on the edge of downtown Milwaukee.Then, Tarik speaks with two nonprofit leaders spearheading the ThriveOn development, a unique and collaborative development at the nexus of the Halyard Park, Harambee and Brewer's Hill neighborhoods, aiming to connect residents with affordable housing, early childhood education, healthcare and food options. Guests: Gregory M. Wesley, senior vice president of strategic alliances and business development at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Ken Robertson, executive vice president, COO and CFO at Greater Milwaukee Foundation.If you'd like to continue the conversation, we encourage you to join our By Every Measure discussion group on Radio Milwaukee's Facebook page. Each week, we open a dialogue on the episode's topic with daily conversation prompts and a virtual meet-up to discuss responses and navigate the community conversations collectively.

HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody is back with co-host Reggie Jackson and journalist Kim Shine for another season of Radio Milwaukee's award winning podcast, By Every Measure. Over six episodes, the trio will take over our regular Uniquely Milwaukee podcast will explore new topics and expand on select topics we covered in season one.By Every Measure Season 2 is supported by The Argosy Foundation.The data is sobering: Milwaukee ranks among the worst places in the nation for a Black woman to have a child. Study after study has confirmed the reality, including a 2020 index by African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM).So, how did we get here? And what can be done to reverse the trend?In this episode, hosts Tarik Moody, Kim Shine and Reggie Jackson bring together leaders from the medical and arts communities, each with firsthand experience in the delivery room. First, Kim speaks with certified nurse midwife LuVerda Martin to learn how medical practitioners build trust with Black mothers. Then, Geraud Blanks of Milwaukee Film joins the conversation to speak about the Black Birth Maternal & Infant Health Symposium, set to return March 25. Each share how they're intentionally working to build trust in a historically underserved community.If you'd like to continue the conversation, we encourage you to join our By Every Measure discussion group on Radio Milwaukee's Facebook page. Each week, we open a dialogue on the episode's topic with daily conversation prompts and a virtual meet-up to discuss responses and navigate the community conversations collectively."The Index of African American Well-Being," sponsored by AALAM, is an examination of African American community well-being in Milwaukee compared with the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas. You can find the full report here.

HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody is back with co-host Reggie Jackson and journalist Kim Shine for another season of Radio Milwaukee's award winning podcast, By Every Measure. Over six episodes, the trio will take over our regular Uniquely Milwaukee podcast will explore new topics and expand on select topics we covered in season one.In a follow up to episode one, we look at "brain drain" through the professional and economic lens. How is Milwaukee doing at retaining its Black and Brown talent? Reggie and Tarik discuss how Atlanta has built its diverse professional community, then Kim goes deep with two local leaders working to scale that success to Milwaukee. Corry Joe Biddle, executive director of Fuel Milwaukee, and Ranell Washington, vice president at Social X, share their collaborative wins and their outlooks for the city's future.By Every Measure Season 2 is supported by The Argosy Foundation.If you'd like to continue the conversation, we encourage you to join our By Every Measure discussion group on Radio Milwaukee's Facebook page. Each week, we're opening a dialogue on the episode's topic with daily conversation prompts and a weekly virtual meet-up to discuss responses and navigate the community conversations collectively. You can find the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2969717049839407/

HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody is back with co-host Reggie Jackson and journalist Kim Shine for another season of Radio Milwaukee's award winning podcast, By Every Measure. Over six episodes, the trio will take over our regular Uniquely Milwaukee podcast will explore new topics and expand on select topics we covered in season one.By Every Measure Season 2 is supported by The Argosy Foundation.Season two of By Every Measure starts with a two-part exploration of Black "brain drain" as Milwaukee struggles to retain creative, innovative members of the community. On episode one, we ask: Is there a glass ceiling for Black creatives in Milwaukee?By Every Measure Season 2 is supported by The Argosy Foundation.If you'd like to continue the conversation, we encourage you to join our By Every Measure discussion group on Radio Milwaukee's Facebook page. Each week, we're opening a dialogue on the episode's topic with daily conversation prompts and a weekly virtual meet-up to discuss responses and navigate the community conversations collectively. You can find the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2969717049839407/

This week, we shine a light on two organizations paying tribute to Black History Month. First, Milwaukee Film's Black Lens program, which cureates a month-long series featuring films and events. Then there's the Milwaukee Rep, which hosts the Next Narrative Monologue Competition -- a national program for high school students featuring the work of contemporary Black playwrights.

February is Black History Month, and for this episode our co-worker Element Everest-Blanks speaks with Dr. Gina Paige, the co-founder of African Ancestry, a DNA test that places your African ancestry in a present-day country and ethnic group or tribe. During the podcast, Element reveals her results.

Setting a goal is the first step, but when life gets in the way... then what? On the final episode of Uniquely MIlwaukee's "New Year, Elevated You" series, we talk about lifelong learning. Then Dr. Shilagh Mirgain with UW-Health shares some tips on how to stick to your goals in 2023.

This month, we have been focusing on the phrase "New Year, Elevated You." This episode focuses on how we view ourselves and the impact that has on our self-worth. We talk with a co-worker about his self-love journey and how he is growing in 2023.

For the first time in three years, Ladies Rock MKE is back up and running! The intensive weekend-long music camp teaches campers of all skill levels to learn an instrument, form a band, write a song and perform it in front of a live audience.

"What is your New Year's resolution?" For Uniquely Milwaukee, we're trying something new in 2023: focus months. For January, it's something we're calling "New Year, Elevated You." We kick things off this week by playing a social self-help game called "rejection therapy."

ENCORE: Do bodegas exist in Milwaukee?

National Geographic documentary 'The Flagmakers' showcases the employees of Eder Flag located in Oak Creek, Wisc., and the millions of flags they produce every year. Executive produced by NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the film was directed by Sharon Liese and Cynthia Wade, who we talk to on this episode, along with Milwaukee residents who share their own reasons for the flags they fly from their front doors.

The Milwaukee Diaper Mission hosts a "period party" to help raise awareness for period poverty, stigma and shaming in the city. Period products were also collected at the event and will later be donated to menstruators in the area.

The UWM Food Center and Pantry makes sure college students have access to nutritious food and key necessities for free. They now offer diapers and period products thanks to a new partnership with the Milwaukee Diaper Mission.

Food insecurity is always a focus around Thanksgiving, but the higher costs we've all been dealing with made this year particularly painful for many families. Radio Milwaukee's Chad Roper stepped up to help by organizing his first Feeding Families event, in the process keeping a promise he made decades ago.

ENCORE: Living without alcohol in America's drunkest state

Milky Way Tech Hub puts Milwaukee on the map for BIPOC innovators.

For this episode, I went to Noche de Altares with one question: “If you’re honoring a loved one, do you have a story you would like to share?” I also had a detailed conversation with my colleague, Alma Velez, to discuss the importance of Día de los Muertos, how she introduced the topic of death to her children and the process of creating her ofrenda at Radio Milwaukee.

For this episode, we talked to Jewish Museum Milwaukee Curator Molly Dubin to learn about the connection Judaism has to astronomy and exploration, as well as the importance of highlighting significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.

For Cavalier Johnson, the path to becoming the city's first Black mayor wasn't a smooth one. He sat down with HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody to share the personal stories that fueled his passion for politics and shaped the person he is today.

Milwaukee's Home Movie Day brings personal nostalgia on the screen

As facts came to light about Christopher Columbus, there were reexaminations, reflections and replacements. On this episode released on Indigenous Peoples' Day, we talk to Marquette professor Tara Daly about two recent examples in Milwaukee and whether acknowledgment is a necessary step or merely a performative gesture.

The infant mortality rate is three times higher for Black babies in Milwaukee, an abysmal number that unfortunately follows wider historical trends. On this episode, we talk to Erica Olivier, deputy commissioner of community health with the city of Milwaukee, about how to address the issue.

The Cultures and Communities Festival bring traditionally marginalized communities stories to the forefront

Thursday marks the start of what the federal government officially refers to as Hispanic Heritage Month. In this week's episode, we talk about that name and the bigger discussion around identity, as well as provide plenty of recommendations on how to celebrate the month ahead.

The popularity of esports has grown steadily over the last decade, and this year they're officially coming to Milwaukee Public Schools. We talked with several people involved to learn about the benefits students have already seen and the impact it can have on the future of their education.

Ready for a pet but don't have time to train a puppy or kitten? This week on Uniquely Milwaukee we discuss another option -- the special reward of adopting or fostering a senior animal.

In this “Uniquely Milwaukee” episode, we follow Nate Imig in pursuit of his summer goal to spend more time outdoors in Milwaukee County Parks and learn what they offer amid a shrinking budget. Then you’ll hear my conversation with Milwaukee County Parks Director of Administration and Planning Jeremy Lucas to learn why funding hasn’t changed since 1989, and Wehr Nature Center Director Carly Hintz to understand changes that have made the parks more accessible.