WIAA's trans ban, charter school fallout, and a former Neo-Nazi’s journey
Release Date: 02/28/2025
"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...
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Politics, Prom & Plushies
365 Amplified
This week, the team is back from a much-needed break and ready to break down the big news in Madison and across Wisconsin. 🧑⚖️ Local Elections Are Here (April 1!) The gang discusses the impact of local elections, including the upcoming Madison Common Council races and the statewide constitutional amendment on voter ID. Confusion around election dates? We break down what’s real and what’s political misdirection. Rob and Stephanie unpack why these “small” elections actually matter—local government = big consequences. Interview: Joanne Pritchett We hear from the...
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We're off for spring break, so here are just a few news notes
365 Amplified
Just popping into your feed to mention a couple Wisconsin colleges and universities seeking new leaders as well as updates on the Wisconsin Badgers, Forward Madison and Abundant Life Christian School.
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Protests, Politics, and Prestidigitation
365 Amplified
Release Date: March 15, 2025 Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, Nicholas Garten Guest: Alder Nikki Conklin This week on 365 Amplified, we cover everything from local protests to a Madison magician making waves. The episode features a conversation with Alder Nikki Conklin, who is running for re-election in District 9. She discusses key issues in her district, the importance of the Cares Team, and why local elections directly impact everyday life. We also break down the UW-Madison student walkout in support of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil and the broader implications...
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Justice, Health, and Voter Rights: The Week in Wisconsin
365 Amplified
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WIAA's trans ban, charter school fallout, and a former Neo-Nazi’s journey
365 Amplified
Hosts: Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed, David Dahmer Date: February 28, 2025 Episode Summary: This week on 365 Amplified, the team dives deep into major education and policy developments impacting Wisconsin’s communities of color. From the controversial WIAA decision to ban trans girls from girls' sports to the abrupt withdrawal of the Forward Career and College Academy charter school proposal, we unpack the latest news shaping education and youth opportunities. We also discuss the emotional renaming of South Side Elementary in honor of Laurie Man Cary, a Madison education...
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There's something no longer in the water
365 Amplified
🎙️ Episode Overview: In this week's episode, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garton break down the latest election results, highlight business updates in Madison, and discuss community issues making waves across Wisconsin. Special guest Alicia Williams, a write-in candidate for the DeForest Village Board, joins the conversation to talk about her candidacy and the fluoride controversy prompting her run. 🗳️ Key Topics Discussed: Election Results: Madison City Council Primaries: Surprising outcomes in key districts: Business Highlights: Minding My...
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A County Board clash. Plus, What DEI is and isn't with Dr Alaysia Black Hackett
365 Amplified
In 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: County Board Drama: 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...
info_outlineHosts: Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed, David Dahmer
Date: February 28, 2025
Episode Summary:
This week on 365 Amplified, the team dives deep into major education and policy developments impacting Wisconsin’s communities of color. From the controversial WIAA decision to ban trans girls from girls' sports to the abrupt withdrawal of the Forward Career and College Academy charter school proposal, we unpack the latest news shaping education and youth opportunities.
We also discuss the emotional renaming of South Side Elementary in honor of Laurie Man Cary, a Madison education champion, and explore the powerful return of artist and activist Loletta G to her former elementary school, where her new murals will soon be displayed.
In a particularly unexpected interview, Omar reflects on his conversation with Tony McAleer, a former neo-Nazi turned anti-hate activist, who shared insights on how people are radicalized—and how they can leave extremist movements behind.
Key Topics:
- 🏆 WIAA’s Controversial Ban – Why the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association followed a federal directive to bar trans girls from competing in girls' sports, despite there being little to no evidence of an issue. Story here.
- 🏫 Charter School Controversy – The Forward Career and College Academy’s leadership abruptly pulls the plug on their plan to create a trades-focused high school for students of color. Story here.
- 🎨 Murals & Memories – Lilada Gee, known for her advocacy and artwork, returns to her childhood school, Lapham Elementary, to unveil a new set of murals. Story here.
- 🏫 A Name That Matters – South Side Elementary is officially renamed in honor of Lori Mann Carey, a dedicated advocate for educational equity. Story here.
- ❌ From Hate to Healing – Omar’s conversation with former neo-Nazi Tony McAleer, who now works to help others leave extremist movements. Story here.
Plus:
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- Nominate influential Native American leaders for Madison365’s annual list! Email names to [email protected] or visit https://madison365.com/most-influential-nominations/
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