Bridge the City

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 AmericaAction Steps:Mike’s action steps include: Pay attention to your local school boardVolunteer at your local schoolLearn more about TFA Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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 BooksAction steps:Support La Revo BooksSupport local book storesVisit and support librariesRead for 15 minutes Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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 recent policy changes. To learn more, visit: Comite sin FronterasVoces de la FronteraSoberalski LawAction Steps:Melissa’s Soberalski’s action steps include:Know your rights (print and distribute red cards)Have your affairs in order in case someone in the family is detainedFernanda’s action steps include:Attend Comite Meetings and other eventsBridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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 City’s episode on WE Energies as a public utilityPolling locations and what’s on your ballotWUWM’s Voter GuidesAlex Brower’s Campaign WebsiteDaniel Bauman’s Campaign WebsiteAction Steps: Alex Brower’s action step includes:Find ways to become a leader in the cityDaniel Bauman’s action step includes: Get involved in the community in a meaningful way Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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 candidatesThe Daily Cardinal’s Information about the State Superintendent candidatesInformation about where to vote and what’s on your ballotActions Step:Vote on February 18th, 2025. Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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 WebsiteJohn Everitt’s WebsiteWisconsin Department of Transportation’s WebsiteAction Steps:Contact your representative about this projectGet involved in the projectBridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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 CenterEthical practices in buying clothesAction Steps:Jessica’s actions include:Donate clean, quality clothing to Father Gene’s Help CenterVolunteer at Father Gene’sReflect and be more intentional about your personal consumption of clothingHave a clothing swap, fix clothing that is damaged, and pay for higher quality, less disposable items when possibleBridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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 UnionWisconsin Policy Forum’s Budget AnalysisAction steps:Sam’s action steps include:Support local journalism.Go to a neighborhood meeting.Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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 MKEContested Primaries for Democratic Candidates and their Districts: 8 - Enrique Murguia and Sylvia Ortiz-Velez9 - Deisy Espana and Prisicilla Prado11 - Amillia Heredia, Sequanna Taylor12 - Brandon Williford, Decorah Gordon, Katrina Morrison, Russell Goodwin14 - Angelito Tenorio, Brady Coulthard, Nathan Kieso18 - Angela Kennedy, Margaret Arney19 - Jarrod Anderson, Ryan ClancyContested Primaries for Republican Candidates and their Districts: 13 (Republican) Patricia Granger, Tom MichalskWisconsin Policy Forum’s Analysis of Constitutional AmendmentsLegislative Reference Bureau’s Report of Constitutional AmendmentsAction steps:Visit myvote.wi.gov to learn more about the electionMake a plan to vote on Tuesday, August 13thBridge the CityLogo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

*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 ForwardAction Steps:Say hi to your neighbor Pick up trash and clean up your neighborhood Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.La presentadora Deisy España se sienta con Elizabeth Ramirez y Alison Hernandez con Muskego Way Forward. Hablan sobre el trabajo de organización y desarrollo comunitario de Muskego Way Forward, la importancia de la programación social de base del vecindario y cómo se puede apoyar a su comunidad.Para obtener más información, visite: Muskego Way ForwardPasos de acción:Saluda a tu vecino Recoge basura y limpia tu vecindario Bridge the City Cuando estés tomando medidas en tu comunidad, ¡compártelo con nosotros! Utilice #bridgethecity o etiquétenos en Facebook, Twitter, Instagram o LinkedIn.Humildemente le pedimos que considere unirse a nuestro Patreon para que podamos continuar creando episodios y eventos que fomenten la participación de la comunidad y el diálogo abierto. Música de Casey Masters. Diseño de logotipo y sitio web por Elizabeth McLaren.

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 WebsiteWisconsin Policy Forum’s Research on the ReferendumAction Steps:VoteBridge the City:When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters.  Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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.govACLU’s Position on Elections ReferendumLeague of Women Voters’ Position on Election ReferendumWisconsin Policy Forum Research and Forum on MPS Funding and Property Tax IncreaseVote 411 Personal Voter Guide Action Steps:Vote! Tell 5 friends to vote!Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

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.  To learn more, visit: Mercadera MarketActions StepsGaly’s action step includes:Get to know our stories, know more about where each of us comes from, and the change we want to make in our community.Conozca nuestras historias, de dónde venimos cada una de nosotras y el cambio que queremos hacer en nuestra comunidad. Nataly’s action step includes: Support our Mercadera vendors as they take their next step in growing their small businesses. Buy Local.Apoye a las vendedoras de Mercadera que están tomando el siguiente paso para crecer su negocio. Compra local. Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. 

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.comIf you or someone you know is in crisis, call - 414-257-7222Action Steps:Lauren’s action steps include:Take the time to participate in the community events that happen throughout our community and hosted by groups like the Mental Health TaskforceSupport NAMI and their work!Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our newest supporter, Brett! Music by Casey Masters. 

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 DollarsBrett Heaton JuarezAction step(s):Brett’s action steps include: Find awareness - how are you spending your time and resources and how do you feel about that?Intention - do you want to make a change about the way you are spending your resources?Talk to someone about money - someone you trust or a professional, but talk to someone! Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters, including our newest Patron - Brett! Music by Casey Masters.

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 FarmMarquette Trinity Fellows Program (from advertisement in introduction)Action Steps:Chris’ action steps include: If you want to partner with Hundred Acre and invest, contact Chris! Don’t think the problem is too big!Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters. 

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 gas emissions by 45% by 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, among other things. To learn more, visit:Clean WisconsinMKE’s Climate and Equity PlanAction Steps:Nancy’s action steps include: Become a member of Clean Wisconsin Stay educated and knowledgeable about our climate Get a rain barrel!Advocate for yourself about energy burden reductionKnow your local elected leadersCheck out local orgs - Urban Ecology Center, Nearby Nature, Sixteenth Street Community Health Center Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters, including our newest Patron, Brett! Music by Casey Masters.

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 People WebsiteMilwaukee DSAAction Steps:Anna’s action steps include:Sign the online petitionDonate to the campaignGregory’s action steps include:Get your community, neighborhood, or street involved in the campaignReestablish social relations Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. 

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 WebsiteVolunteer at the Fiesta Action steps: Nora’s action steps include: Attend Mexican FiestaAttend and explore other ethnic and neighborhood festivalsDonate to the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship FundKate’s action step is: Vote local and support your community in whatever ways you can Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters.

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 on Youtube and TwitterRethink 794Wisconsin Department of Transportation Action Steps:Jacob’s action steps include: Follow Milwaukee Central Park Project on Youtube and TwitterReach out and support Jacob’s project with your skills and talentsRead John Norquist’s Wealth of Cities Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters.