Eau Claire Hometown Media

The squeaks of basketball sneakers are back with Derek discussing the start of the college hoops season as well as a look at the early happenings in the NBA

Lace up the sneakers as we hit the trail with the cross country team. First year head coach Lucas Hanson and junior Drew Kruetz share insights into the school's running program and the ins and outs of how this individual activity truly unites into a team bond. Lucas tells us why training is built "backwards" with the goal being verifiable progression. Drew details how the relationships built make cross country much more of a team sport than many outsiders may think.

Over the years, VolumeOne has promoted and helped to shape the area’s cultural scene. Amanda Polden, the Director of Events and Community Engagement shares insight into VolumeOne’s objective of promoting the area. The concerts,the magazine, the store and yes…the trolley! At its core, VolumeOne tells the story of the area, and this includes connecting to various needs and causes. And, Amanda also shares a hilarious cake baking fail she had!

Scott responds to blowback over his comments about Venture Academy...a local celebrity announces their pending retirement...and a reminder to a local charity about "proper" marketing :)

The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards and one ofthe longest running Broadway Shows in history, returned to the Pablo Center in early November. Kathy Wright got achance to chat with Jarius Miquel Cliett who brings the character of Mafala Hatimbi to life in the musical. Jarius shares what its like to perform in a Broadway production, the journey that led him to the stage and the joys of connecting with the audience night after night. A native of Atlanta, GA he holds degrees Vocal Performanceat both the University of Alabama and Georgia State. We learn some of his other credits and what led to the opportunity with the Book of Mormon

Open Enrollment for Medicare is going on through December 7th, and Jesse brings in Keystone's Melody Schworoer to discuss upcoming changes and what you might need to look at for your Medicare situation for 2026. Presented by Keystone Financial in Eau Claire, WI

Even competitors can bond over a beer. Paul Kohler, the market president at Nicolet Bank, comes inside Northwestern Bank to talk with Jerry and Scott. Jerry and Paul both entered local banking at similar times and while at separate entities, have been contemporaries in theindustry for year. His brief career in radio while in high school in Rice Lake Why pursued a career in banking and defining moments earlyin his career How leadership style has evolved slightly over the years Advice to someone starting off in banking today Role local banks play in the growing development in the area How have customer expectations changed over time

Meet Mary Beth Pfeiffer, the new face of enrollment withMACS. She has been with MACS in other roles but also has enrollment experience with a school in the Twin Cities. She brings a fresh energy and passion for connecting with families. She discusses enrollment for the 2026-2027 season and what families should know if they are interested. And for a more direct perspective as to what it meansto be in the MACS community, a pair of seventh graders join the podcast. Ellie and Jolie talk about life at Notre DameMiddle School. What some of theirfavorite activities, including the Share-N-Care program

The spotlight shines on what is pound for pound, one of the most successful programs in the region, the CHI-HI Equestrian Team. Longtime coach and current WIHA Board MemberCara Schueller and CHI-HI Activities Director Mike Thompson shed insight into this program and its 12 consecutive Wisconsin State Championships. Along the way, this team of riders balance school, competition and a whole lot of horsesense! Learn about how the facilities at the fairgrounds have drastically improved over the last decade, the lessons and mission the program instills and how the sport itself operates.

The Chippewa Valley's Talk Show of Record

Presented by Jackie Hunt State Farm Agency Let’s get tropical! We highlight the annual Winter Daze Parade in Menomonie this December which will feature a tropical theme. Downtown Menomonie, INC Executive Director Becca Schoenborn previews this year’s event.She also details the role that Downtown Menomonie, INC plays in helping to advocate and promote the nearly 100 different entities that comprise the district. The priorities and challenges for these local businesses as 2025 turns to 2026.

This month, the Heyde Center is serving up laughs with the arrival of the Big Auntie Energy Comedy Show on November 15th. Headliner Trish Cook shares the inspiration behind this hilarious family-friendly show along with the joys, quirks and wisdoms she has picked up over a nearly 15 year career as a standup comedian. Trish, and her team, are of Anishinaabe Native American decent, and with November being Native-American Heritage, we also learn why she takes significant pride in being able to represent her people on stage. Why comedy truly is something that breaks down barriers. We also learn what goes into creating a comedy "set", how she deals with reading audience reactions mid-show and her advice to the growing group of aspiring comedians in the Valley

Developing a puppy’s social skills can involve physicalinteractions whether it be in behavior classes, “play dates”, visits to parks, etc. However, sometimes that isn’t practicalfor either the animal or owner. In this episode, Heather explores how to help your puppygrow into a confident, well-mannered dog -even if traditional socialization scenarios aren’t possible. From introducing new sights and sounds at home to practicing calm behavior around distractions. This episode is perfect for new dog ownerslooking to raise a friendly companion.

Success in a career starts with a proper work-life balanceand on this episode Sam Schlewitz tells us how learning to manage the two makes his a better person and attorney. He talks about how prioritizing hobbies, rest and social time provides more clarity in his career. Why the advice of a mentor to avoid making “your home your office” has stuck with him. Its an inspiring reminder that being your best at work starts with taking care of yourself first.

It’s a marketer to marketer to chat with Tracey Steeno theChief Marketing Officer and Sarah Meyer the marketing coordinator. They share their backgrounds, influences andpassions and how those help shape how they work to showcase the mission of Pillar Bank throughout Western Wisconsin. How does marketing for a local business differ from anational one? The ways they come up with ideas and stay creative and whatresonates more? When they know its time to try something new? What would be their dream campaign with an unlimited budget?

This episode, Dan from Marcon talks about an advertising issue last week where Fox Media denied his request for free veteran advertisement. He discusses welfare programs like WIC, SNAP, and EBT that will not be receiving funds starting on November 1, due to the government shutdown and concerns over crime rates as a result. He compares the difficulty of getting VA benefits to the process of SNAP benefit applications and specifically points out that public help programs should be reevaluated especially in the case of immigrants. Dan emphasizes supporting the local community through going to local businesses and word-of-mouth support for a variety of local places.

Derek is back this week discussing the NFL season and the World Series

Local businessman Isacc Wold has not only built a construction company but also developed an online presence as a dedicated local government watchdog. Isaac shares why he got involved in keeping an eye on public affairs and why transparency and holding leaders accountable matters. Data Center, Open Records Requests and Emilie discussesconcerns over the actions of a certain city councilmember.

Fallout from a controversial UWEC College Republicans social media post...and Scott gives his monthly review of local eateries

Eau Claire is the Horseradish Capital of the World becauseof Huntsinker Farms and Silver Springs Foods. Eric Rygg joins us to discuss what makes this area perfect for growinghorseradish and the process they have for launching various condiments. He also discusses their impetus for wantingto create a signature food item for the Chippewa Valley. In collaboration with CVTC, they did just that. Through a competition style, a sandwich featuring horseradish called the “Wisconsin Old Fashioned” was created. You’ll be able to order the sandwich at The Pablo Center as part of Giving Tuesday on December 2nd.