A County Board clash. Plus, What DEI is and isn't with Dr Alaysia Black Hackett
Release Date: 02/14/2025
We Tell the News
365 Amplified
This week, the 365 Amplified crew covers a range of timely and thought-provoking topics: 🏥 Meriter Nurses Win Contract Fight Omar recaps the surprising outcome of the Meriter nurses' five-day strike, which ended in a new contract featuring an 8% raise over two years and steps toward improved staffing ratios and safety accountability. 🏛️ Hospitals Shift DEI Language Amid Political Pressure Rob breaks down new reporting from Wisconsin Watch on how major healthcare systems like SSM and UW Health are altering their DEI messaging in response to anticipated federal scrutiny—raising...
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"Empathy is not a bargaining chip"
365 Amplified
This week on 365 Amplified, the team dives deep into some of Wisconsin’s top stories: UnityPoint Health Meriter Nurses Strike: Omar reports from the picket line as nurses strike for better pay, safer staffing, and improved patient care. It's the first strike of its kind at Meriter, and we break down the stakes, the support, and what might come next. Read Omar's reporting and . Madison Mallards Celebrate 25 Years: Nick heads to the Duck Pond to catch the latest in family fun—including a human claw game and zip-line beer delivery—and reflects on the team’s community-first legacy. ...
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Passing the Torch: Dr. Alex Gee hands Nehemiah over to Harry Hawkins
365 Amplified
In this week’s episode of 365 Amplified, hosts Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, and Omar Waheed dive into local news and the real-world implications of artificial intelligence in journalism. Omar recaps his trip to Detroit for the Online News Association’s AI Summit and reflects on how media organizations must evolve alongside emerging technologies. The team also covers local news, including the opening of the Atwood Music Hall and an ongoing following a controversial fluoride vote and reported harassment of local residents. Later in the episode, Rob sits down for an in-depth...
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Food is medicine
365 Amplified
This week, the full crew is in the house! Rob, Stephanie, Dave, Omar, and Nicholas share stories and sharp insights from across Wisconsin. 🖌️ A South Side Tribute in Color Dave shares the story behind a vibrant new mural on Park Street honoring South Side Madison legends, designed by the Hip-Hop Architect Michael Ford. Hear how families and community members reacted to seeing their loved ones immortalized in art. 🎷 Jazz, Justice & Mary Lou Williams The crew discusses the upcoming Madison Jazz Festival, including a spotlight on the Mary Lou Williams tribute show featuring Madison...
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Get outside! Advice for enjoying the great outdoors right here in Madison
365 Amplified
Underground Hiking Collective founder Jasmine Banks joins the show today to give some recommendations for great places to enjoy the great outdoors for a hike or a paddle in and near Madison. She also dispenses some words of wisdom on what to wear and bring to ensure you have a good time on the trail. Plus, local men's health advocate Gary Davis chats with Rob about next weekend's free health screening event and the disparities he's faced in his journey as a cancer survivor. Connect: Full coverage at Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365...
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We got DOGEd
365 Amplified
In this episode of 365 Amplified, Rob Chappell is joined by Dave Dahmer, Nicholas Garten, and Omar Waheed for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from NFL Draft day thrills to the real-world impact of abrupt federal funding cuts. Dave kicks off the show with a firsthand account from the NFL Draft in Green Bay, where Packers fans celebrated the unexpected first-round pick of wide receiver Matthew Golden. The crew breaks down the electric atmosphere and discusses the surprising fall of quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the fifth round. Then Rob shifts gears to a much more sobering...
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Draft Day Edition
365 Amplified
This week on 365 Amplified, Rob Chappell, Stephanie Diaz de Leon and Omar Waheed bring you an episode of the week's most important news. 🎉 The crew starts with a look at the NFL Draft in Green Bay, including how the Packers are using the moment to promote diversity through workshops and vendor opportunities. 🧃 Omar gives a flavorful recap of a THC beverage tasting event in Madison, spotlighting several local vendors — including the state’s first Indigenous-owned cannabis company — and how Wisconsin’s murky legality around THC creates both opportunity and awkwardness. 🇵🇸...
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"Hands off Black women" with Dana Pellebon
365 Amplified
\🎙️ Episode Title: Hands Off Black Women, with Dana Pellebon 📅 Release Date: April 18, 2025 🕒 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 🎧 Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, Nicholas Garton 🎙️ Special Guest: Dana Pellebon Episode Summary: In this week’s deeply personal and unapologetically honest episode, the 365 Amplified team is joined by special guest Dana Pellebon, Board Chair of Urban Triage and former Dane County Supervisor, who offers insight, receipts, and unwavering truth about what she calls years-long campaign against Urban Triage...
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We can't even do a lunch
365 Amplified
Release Date: April 11, 2025 Duration: 1h 8m Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed 🧵 Episode Summary: This week, the crew dives deep into the University of Wisconsin’s decision to abruptly cancel monthly BIPOC employee lunches—an initiative that served as a space for connection, networking, and support for people of color on campus. The hosts unpack what this means for employee retention, equity efforts, and the larger implications of anticipatory compliance in response to federal and state pressures. They also cover: 🪧 The UnityPoint Meriter...
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Hoops, hope & heated races
365 Amplified
This week on 365 Amplified, the crew is back and broadcasting from the new Madison365 HQ at Starting Block in the Spark Building to recap a week filled with local political shakeups, Open Cup soccer drama, and some serious inspiration on and off the court. Stephanie, Rob, Omar, and Nick dive into: Madison city council election results—Who held on, who was unseated, and some eyebrow-raising campaign suspensions and controversies. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race—Susan Crawford’s win, Brad Schimel’s loss, and Elon Musk’s unwelcome attempted influence. A heated Open Cup soccer...
info_outlineIn this week's episode of 365 Amplified, hosts Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, and Omar Waheed dive into a mix of local news, politics, and community events. Here's what you can expect:
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County Board Drama:
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The team delves into a recent controversy involving the Dane County Board and the Department of Human Services. Amy Everett, who was appointed to lead the department, withdrew her candidacy after a meeting with County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner. The hosts discuss the fallout, the political implications, and the ongoing challenges of finding a permanent director for the department.
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Facebook Drama:
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The hosts discuss a bizarre incident involving a local mortgage lender who sent a series of strange and racially charged messages to Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett. The story went viral, and the hosts explore the implications of the incident and the ongoing investigation.
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Community Events:
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Omar shares his experience attending the steel topping-out ceremony for the Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison. The event marked a significant milestone in the construction of the new cultural landmark, set to open in Fall 2025.
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The hosts also highlight several upcoming events in northern Wisconsin, including the Black Hair Fair in Appleton, the Black History Month Celebration in Sheboygan, and the Chinese New Year Celebration in Oshkosh.
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Interview with Dr. Alaysia Black Hackett:
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The show features an insightful interview with Dr. Alicia Black Hackett, former Chief Diversity Officer for the Federal Department of Labor under President Joe Biden. Dr. Hackett discusses the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, dispels common misconceptions, and shares her thoughts on the current political climate surrounding DEIA efforts.
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Soccer News:
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Rob provides updates on Forward Madison FC, including the upcoming season and a new signing, midfielder Jose Carrera Garcia. He also previews the President's Cup, a major indoor soccer tournament taking place in Madison this weekend.
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Listen to the full episode for more details on these stories and stay tuned for next week's update on local news and events.
📣 If you’re affected by federal funding cuts, DEI investigations, or have insights on community issues, reach out to us at [email protected] or call 608-229-1597 (calls only - that number can’t get texts).
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