365 Amplified
From Madison365, weekly discussion of the news for and from Wisconsin's communities of color and allies.
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The $570,000 Question
07/17/2026
The $570,000 Question
New studio, same crew — 365 Amplified moves into the Black Business Hub's new podcast studio with a full house. Rob and Stephanie dig into the messy world of campaign finance reports as Wisconsin's governor's race heats up, including a serious discrepancy in Sarah Rodriguez's filings. Beth previews Africa Fest, Omar reports from a youth social action march, Miles warns Wisconsinites about the Lone Star tick's red meat allergy risk, and Camille asks where Madison teens are supposed to hang out this summer. Plus, Myra McNair joins to celebrate 10 years of Anisa's Family Therapy and the launch of the Anisa's Foundation. It all wraps with a round of "main character energy" confessions.
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Ten Years of Interruption: Anthony Cooper on a Decade of Violence Prevention
07/10/2026
Ten Years of Interruption: Anthony Cooper on a Decade of Violence Prevention
Those swarms by the lake? Harmless, mostly. Miles gets the buzz on Madison's midge season from a UW entomologist, then Omar breaks down Meriter's nurses union facing pushback from hospital management after their historic vote. Beth shares an intimate conversation with a Madison mother fighting to get her autistic children the support — and the belief — they're entitled to. Plus: Barrio Dance scores three "yeses" on America's Got Talent, an Indigenous Cultural Celebration returns to Schumacher Farm Park, the Wisconsin governor's race narrows as David Crowley drops out, and Rob sits down with Focused Interruption's Anthony Cooper on 10 years of violence prevention work in Madison.
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Democratic governor candidate forum
07/08/2026
Democratic governor candidate forum
Blacks for Political and Social Action of Dane County hosted a forum for Democratic candidates for governor on Tuesday, July 7, at The Hub on Madison's south side. The candidates present were: Lt. Gov. Sarah Rodriguez State Rep. Francesca Hong State Sen. Kelda Roys former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes former Dept. of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley This is the full audio of the forum.
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Food trucks, conspiracy theories and Rally reflections
07/03/2026
Food trucks, conspiracy theories and Rally reflections
This week, after a roundup of the week's news, we talk through the controversial appointment of Sean Eichorst has the University of Wisconsin's next athletic director, which happened without interviewing a single Black candidate -- including the guy doing the job now. Then, in a special 608 Soccer Show crossover, we welcome Rally Madison technical director Liz Lawrence and assistant coach Tenzin Rampa to look back on the team's inaugural season and ahead to the future of women's soccer. Finally, we wrap up with the weekly roundtable question: what's the one conspiracy theory you want to believe? We consider World Cup fixes, haunted mountain ranges, Stevie Wonder's visual acuity, subterranean biomes, the realness of birds and more. Bookmark and follow us on Facebook, Blue Sky, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up on all your local news. And catch up on 608 Soccer at .
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"An Acceptable Level of Bureaucracy." Meet Goodman Community Center's New Boss
06/26/2026
"An Acceptable Level of Bureaucracy." Meet Goodman Community Center's New Boss
We have the full crew this week, and a robust roundup of news: an organization inviting the community to help create cartoneras to uplift Palestinian stories; a family-focused health event that grew out of one woman's faith community; the excitement around women's soccer in Madison; the chef behind all the events at Madison's Black Business Hub; an all-Spanish anthology of poetry from around the Midwest. Then, Rob chats with Christopher Talton, the new CEO of the Goodman Community Center, about connecting with a new community, what nonprofit leadership means, rebuilding trust, and what's next for the beloved institution. Finally, the roundtable question: what snack defines your generation?
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Did Madison Police cause a man's death? Independent Monitor says yes.
06/19/2026
Did Madison Police cause a man's death? Independent Monitor says yes.
Today, we get caught up on a few news items -- including Madison's softball dominance, health advocates heading across the pond, and a young entrepreneur making a difference through totes -- before digging into the Office of the Independent Monitor's bombshell report on the in-custody death of Richard Lee Johnson in 2024. The report says Madison Police are responsible for his death through use of prone restraint, poor communication and negligence. Rob has seen the videos, and gives his assessment of the report and the Madison Police Department's response. Then, Madison Common Council Vice President Carmella Glenn joins us to discuss that case and zoom out to consider the OIM and why she says it must maintain its independence.
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Remembering Michael Johnson. Plus: Meet the interns!
06/12/2026
Remembering Michael Johnson. Plus: Meet the interns!
It's been a hard week in Madison. Today, Rob remembers Michael Johnson as a mover, and a vocal supporter of Madison365 and its mission to amplify voices and create a more informed community. Then, we meet the Summer 2026 class of Madison365 reporting interns, and hear about the stories they're working on: girls' flag football in Madison schools, the Madison Pubilc Market's soft launch, a youth entrepreneurship event for the Harmony Apartments community and Juneteenth in Sun Prairie. Plus, a big union vote at a Madison hospital. Follow Madison365 on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Blue Sky, subscribe to our newsletter and bookmark Madison365.org to keep up with the latest. Links:
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Two Wheels, One Big Vote, and a 10.7-Second Freshman
06/05/2026
Two Wheels, One Big Vote, and a 10.7-Second Freshman
It's a special, abbreviated episode of 365 Amplified as Rob and Omar welcome the first of Madison365's four summer interns to the mic. Abi Maxey makes her podcast debut and breaks down her first Madison365 story: Bikes 4 Kids Wisconsin's new "Meals on Two Wheels," an e-bike grocery delivery service partnering with the River Food Pantry to get groceries to neighbors who need them. Omar reports on Urban Triage's young adult transitional home — now one year old — and what it means for kids aging out of the foster care system, plus an update on the St. Mary's nurses' union vote set for June 11. Then Rob shares the jaw-dropping story of Waunakee freshman Ross Kidau, who may have just run the fastest 100 meters by a Wisconsin freshman ever. Plus: a call for nominations for Wisconsin's Most Influential Asian American Leaders. New episodes every Friday.
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Code Words and Common Sense with Rob Dz
05/29/2026
Code Words and Common Sense with Rob Dz
Rob, Stephanie, and Omar are back from a little break, ready to dig into a packed week of news before sitting down with a Madison hip hop legend. The crew breaks down the Office of the Independent Monitor's report on the December arrest of Police Civilian Oversight Board chair Maia Pearson, examining the show of force, the circular logic of being arrested for resisting arrest, and why "doing right and being right are two different things." Plus: the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness is moving to a new home on the south side (targeting July 1, with a community fundraising push underway), a preview of the second Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival in Monona, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra's free centennial festival weekend. Then, Madison hip hop legend Rob Dz joins the show. Fresh off a November heart attack and open-heart surgery, he talks about getting back on stage, his upcoming July 1 performance with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra at Concerts on the Square — a collaboration with the Urban Community Arts Network — and a candid conversation about barriers, "handpicked ambassadors," the end of Mad Lit, and why hip hop is so often treated as a code word in a city that calls itself progressive.
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It's time to Rally
05/15/2026
It's time to Rally
Madison's new women's soccer team is in preparing for their first match next Wednesday, followed by the home opener the following Saturday. This week, Rob talked to head coach Giuliano Oliviero, goalie Malia Zillman and striker Kayla Budish about the preparations, the demands of a busy season and lots more. Plus, Madison schools are reallocating kitchen staff, which could have real implications for student nutrition. St Mary's nurses are looking to unionize, and say they're getting stiff opposition from management. Finally, the school board in Watertown voted not to allow its band to play a piece celebrating LGBTQ+ hero Marsha P. Johnson. And in our roundtable question: what objectively bad opinion could you defend in front of a jury? Bookmark Madison365.com and follow Madison365 on Facebook, Blue Sky, LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with the latest news.
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"A Great Day to be Black." Center for Black Excellence and Culture is open!
05/08/2026
"A Great Day to be Black." Center for Black Excellence and Culture is open!
This week: The Center for Black Excellence and Culture officially opens its doors, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness calls for funding after proving its "Saving Our Babies" model works, Urban Triage gets into the hemp business, we remember the founder of Shabazz City High School, and Rally Madison puts together an advisory board for its players. Plus, Dr. Alex Gee's full grand opening speech, and we debate how many hats is too many hats. Stories discussed: — The three-story, 37,000-square-foot building on Madison's South Side held its grand opening Wednesday, featuring a theater, podcast studio, art studio, senior center, co-working space, and more. Dr. Alex Gee raised $32 million to open the center debt-free. His full speech is featured in this episode. — The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness held its seventh annual press conference urging the state to fund programs like ConnectRx and doula services that have shown measurable results in addressing Wisconsin's Black maternal and infant health disparities. — Urban Triage launched Less Noise Wellness, a full-spectrum organic hemp and CBD brand grown at Farley Center, in partnership with La Crosse-based Stacks Family Farms and Carbon Cannabis. The move aims to reduce the organization's reliance on government funding. — Dymzarov, a teacher in Madison who secured a Ford Foundation grant to start the alternative high school in 1971, passed away last week. — The pre-professional women's soccer team announced an advisory board featuring Lauren Sesselmann, Mason Crosby, Jay DeMerit and more to provide mentorship and professional development for players. Fun stuff: The hosts riff on Rob's Chromebook going into tablet mode, Stephanie's ongoing war with Rob's 30–40 hats and shoes scattered around the house, and the group's love-hate relationship with podcast advertising.
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Strikes, Stories, and Bookstores with Jeff Oloizia
05/01/2026
Strikes, Stories, and Bookstores with Jeff Oloizia
It's May Day, and the 365 Amplified crew digs into A Day Without Immigrants, the general strike organized by Voces de la Frontera, and why the day's meaning extends far beyond any single administration. Plus: the Madison school district moves to rename Cesar Chavez Elementary, the Center for Black Excellence and Culture prepares for its grand opening, a Middleton Mandarin teacher earns a 21-state teaching honor, and NFL offensive lineman James Daniels talks about opening a Black-owned bookstore in Sun Prairie. Then, Jeff Oloizia — former New York Times editor and Madison magazine writer — joins to preview his new podcast Writing Forward, celebrating Wisconsin's literary community. And a breaking story on a public health employee charged with drug trafficking raises questions about public trust. Links: Don't forget to the subscribe to the podcast, bookmark , and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Blue Sky, and Instagram for the latest.
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"Now That It Works, They Want to Kill It." Aeiramique Glass on the PCOB controversy
04/24/2026
"Now That It Works, They Want to Kill It." Aeiramique Glass on the PCOB controversy
Madison's Common Council has new leadership — and new tensions. Sabrina Madison and Carmella Glenn make history as the first two Black women to serve as council president and vice president. Meanwhile, a proposed ordinance amendment targeting the Police Civilian Oversight Board sparks a firestorm. Interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass joins us to break down what's really behind the push to rein in the office she's finally gotten up and running — and why she says the resistance started the moment oversight actually started working. Plus: an update on the CAYA Clinic AI controversy, Barrio Dance heads to America's Got Talent, and Wisconsin's Black-owned bookstores. Links: Bookmark Madison365.com and follow Madison365 on Facebook, Blue Sky, LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with the latest news.
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Who's Building Out the Public Market — And Who's Paying?
04/17/2026
Who's Building Out the Public Market — And Who's Paying?
This week on 365 Amplified, Rob takes Stephanie and Omar inside the still-under-construction Madison Public Market. After 20 years, $25 million in investment, and a string of missed opening dates, Rob visited the building and found art on the walls but no vendors ready to serve. The team digs into a key question: if the market calls itself "mission driven," why are small vendors — many of them Black and brown entrepreneurs — being required to pay for their own build-outs, and why can't they choose their own contractors? Rob shares what he learned from vendors, a UW urban development expert, city officials, and Public Market CEO Keisha Harrison. Plus, Omar reports on another round of federal funding cuts hitting the Literacy Network's refugee English program, and the team covers the early start to the 2027 Supreme Court race and a shakeup atop UW Athletics. And stick around for a crossover interview from the 608 Soccer Show with Forward Madison striker Stephen Annor Gyamfi, who talks about his secret soccer stardom in Ghana, his path from UVA to the MLS draft, and why he's saving his backflip celebration for the home opener.
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What does Chris Taylor's win mean for the midterms?
04/10/2026
What does Chris Taylor's win mean for the midterms?
This week, the team talks through the spring election results, some surprising, some with broader implications. Then, after a few other news updates, Rob sits down with Alejandro Verdin, who ran the State Supreme Court campaign of Justice Janet Protasiewicz, whose 2023 win flipped the court from a conservative to liberal majority. Verdin has some thoughts about what Chris Taylor's win, and the larger-than-expected margin of victory, means for Wisconsin, for the two parties, and the 2026 midterm elections. Finally, the roundtable question: what did you rage quit, then quietly come back to? Learn more about Jackson's Yard Care . Donate to support their new buiding . Follow Madison365 on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and watch Madison365.org every day for the latest news.
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Four Generations, One Million Dollars
03/20/2026
Four Generations, One Million Dollars
It's the season finale! (Not really.) Rob and Omar preview the sixth annual Most Influential Native American Leaders list, then discuss Hydrate IV Bar, a new hydration therapy franchise opening in Madison. St. Paul Mayor Mee Moua visits Madison as the Hmong community marks the 50th anniversary of the Hmong American diaspora. The guys dig into a Wisconsin Watch investigation on data center job claims, celebrate Middleton teens behind Meals Matter earning national recognition, and discuss the fallout from Cesar Chavez allegations. Then, Diane Endres-Ballweg joins to talk 100 years of Endres Manufacturing, $1 million in foundation grants, and the upcoming "Year of the Kids." Plus: a rough day for Madison sports.
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"Stand up. Be a man." A talk with Congressional candidate Lorenzo Santos
03/13/2026
"Stand up. Be a man." A talk with Congressional candidate Lorenzo Santos
Today, Rob talks through a few news items before welcoming Lorenzo Santos, a Navy vet and Racine County emergency management director running for Congress in Wisconsin's First Congressional District. Links:
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"Some of my best friends are dead"
03/06/2026
"Some of my best friends are dead"
On this week's 365 Amplified, Omar and Rob talk through the new initiatives of Improve Your Tomorrow, a program targetted at students of color in Madison that we first reported on a few weeks ago which has now expanded into Verona and which will host an information session next week. Then, they go over the latest polling on the race for Wisconsin governor. Next up, Tony Castañeda joins to talk about his run for State Assembly, his long history in leftist politics and social justice, and what he brings to the race as a musician. Finally, a bit about the upcoming Forward Madison season. Read Omar's reporting on Improve Your Tomorrow and . Check out the Marquette University polling . Listen to the latest Black Oxygen and 608 Soccer .
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Podcast history, hip-hop ed, local budget woes
02/27/2026
Podcast history, hip-hop ed, local budget woes
Hosts: Rob Chappell, Stephanie Díaz de León, Omar Waheed Dee Star's big moment: Three major milestones for Dee Star, host of the OuttaDeeBox podcast: February 3 has been declared Dee Star Day in Sun Prairie; the Out of Dee Box podcast will be the first podcast enshrined at the Wisconsin History Museum and the Sun Prairie Historical Society; and he's receiving a legislative citation for community impact. Omar caught up with him about what it all means. Hip-hop in the classroom: Omar visited Kennedy Elementary to check out a hip-hop artist residency featuring Lex, a clean hip-hop artist, author, poet, DJ and educator. Lex spent two weeks visiting 16 MMSD schools, performing and helping kids process emotions through music — and it was anything but a corny after-school special. School funding crunch: MMSD is already laying groundwork for next year's budget, and the outlook isn't great. The hosts dig into why: a state legislature that funds only about 5% of school district budgets (compared to 60-70% in Minnesota), federal special education cuts, and a new lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's funding model as unconstitutional. Dane County's $31 million problem: Rob obtained a budget memo showing the county faces a roughly $31 million deficit heading into 2027, as post-COVID surpluses dry up and health insurance and employee costs climb. Balancing the budget could mean cutting around 241 full-time positions. Only one county supervisor responded to Rob's request for comment. County contracting review: County Executive Melissa Agard has ordered a comprehensive review of county contracting practices. Rob spoke with Agard, Human Services Director Josh Luter, and several nonprofit leaders. The recurring theme: a need for greater transparency in bidding, scoring and feedback — plus structural issues like one-year contracts for five-year projects with no built-in cost-of-living increases. On the radar: Stephanie flags the November 3 election, which will include a Republican-backed constitutional amendment that would prohibit DEI policies at any state government entity, including UW. Also coming up: spring county board elections with a few competitive races. Question of the week: How big would a worm have to be before you'd tell somebody about it?
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Stay Gold: the local kid making his Broadway debut in The Outsiders
02/20/2026
Stay Gold: the local kid making his Broadway debut in The Outsiders
This week, Rob, Stephanie, and Omar dig into the ICE detention of Noel Quintana, co-owner of Madison's beloved Señor Machete's restaurant — and what his family is facing as they fight for his return. Plus: results from Tuesday's local primaries, including a Mount Horeb village board race where the top three candidates were separated by just two votes. Then Rob sits down with Caleb Mathura, a Verona High School graduate who is making his Broadway debut next month playing Johnny Cade in The Outsiders. And the crew answers the big question: if you were a weather pattern, which one would you be?
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Mandela Barnes on policy, organizing and the path to 2026
02/13/2026
Mandela Barnes on policy, organizing and the path to 2026
This week’s episode of 365 Amplified features two in-depth conversations centered on Wisconsin politics and community response to homelessness, plus local nonprofit and business updates. Rob Chappell opens with a look at a bankruptcy case involving a nonprofit donation platform that reportedly owes millions of dollars to organizations nationwide, including dozens in Wisconsin. The discussion includes how the case came to light through nonprofit newsroom collaboration and how at least one Madison organization was affected. The episode also highlights the opening of Luna’s Groceries’ new, larger South Park Street location, expanding fresh food access and community space in a historically underserved area. The first featured interview is with former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, now a candidate for governor. Barnes discusses his campaign priorities, including health care expansion, public school funding, affordability pressures, and his outlook on working with the state legislature and the broader Democratic coalition. In the second segment, Omar Waheed speaks with Brandi Grayson and Alex Lindenmeyer of Urban Triage about “Seen and Unseen,” a March 3 public art installation around Capitol Square. The four-site walking tour is designed to illustrate both visible and hidden causes and consequences of homelessness, and to highlight systemic barriers and community-based solutions. The event will include speakers, artists, and community partners, and coincides with The Big Share Day of Giving.
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"I have Black friends" but bigger
02/06/2026
"I have Black friends" but bigger
This week, we have the (more or less) final update on the proposed harm reduction center on Madison's East Side. Turns out, the organization recommended to get $2.4 million to run it listed a bunch of partnerships and collaborations with organziations that never agreed to be partners or collaborate -- a fact we exclusively reported this week. The Board of Health ultimately rejected the contract. On the podcast today, we go through the details and dig into just how problematic it is for white leaders to claim more connection to Black and brown communities than nthey actually have. Then, well-known Ho-Chunk chef Elena Terry is finally opening a brick and mortar restaurant at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Omar Waheed spoke with her and catches us up on her plans. Next up, Madison seventh-grader Iliyan Hoskins is just back from his first international judo competition, where he won a bronze medal for Team USA at the Pan American Judo Championships in Lima, Peru. He and his mom Ivanka join the show to educate Rob about the sport, recap the Pan Am championship, and talk about his Olympic Dreams. 365 Amplified is produced by Rob Chappell for the 365 Media Foundation, a nonprofit local media organization in Madison, Wisconsin. Follow Madison365 on , , , , and .
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AI Massage Robot
01/30/2026
AI Massage Robot
On the podcast this week, we have: An update on the harm reduction clinic proposed for Madison's East Side, as the org that won the contract seemed to say they're pulling out of the project but then said they're not Our thoughts on the murder of Alex Pretti and a rundown of Wisconsin gun laws An interview with State Assembly candidate Juliana Bennett Rob's experience with an AI massage robot, which is a thing he never expected to type or talk about, much less experience Follow the latest news on Madison365.org and watch for Madison365 on Facebook, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram & Threads.
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Who owns "Freedom"? With Isaia Ben-Ami
01/23/2026
Who owns "Freedom"? With Isaia Ben-Ami
On this week's episode, the team talks through two in-progress stories. First, a bankrupt donation platform owes almost $408,000 to more than 50 nonprofits in Wisconsin. Then, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard has announced a comprehesive review of the County's contracting promise, and we consider why and what that means. Next up, Improve Your Tomorrow has started a Wisconsin chapter to capture students with potential and facing obstacles, and Madison College has opened a new early learning center for the children of students and staff. Finally, Assembly candidate Isaia Ben-Ami joins the show to talk about his campaign, the imporant issues facing the downtown Madison district, and how the Democratic Party can reclaim "Freedom." Follow Madison365 on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and watch Madison365.org every day for the latest news.
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Echoes of Stark Park with Freddie Owens
01/16/2026
Echoes of Stark Park with Freddie Owens
On this week's 365 Amplified, we have yet another Sun Prairie schools update, where the former West High School principal now faces charges of failure to report child abuse -- including in a case not previously known. Plus, the Forward Madison Academy was in Minneapolis for a match last weekend, and immigration authorities grabbed the mother of one of the players. The club and soccer community have rallied to the player's aid while his mom remains in custody. Then, former Badger Freddie Owens joins the show to talk about his memoir, Echoes of Stark Park, set to be publised next month. 365 Amplified is produced by Rob Chappell for the 365 Media Foundation, a nonprofit local media organization in Madison, Wisconsin. Follow Madison365 on Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads, and check Madison365.org every day for the latest news.
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Controversy, conflicts & money magic
01/09/2026
Controversy, conflicts & money magic
It's a long one today -- we've been off for a couple weeks and have a lot to catch up on! First, Omar talks through a few highlights of the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr Day celebrations and activities around Madison. Then, Rob has an update from Sun Prairie, where the school district released the results of the investigation into the dean of students who was arrested on 16 charges of child pornography and exploitation in July, and how district administrators responded. We learned that allegations started six months earlier than previously known, and that the first student who made them was suspended for doing so. Next up, a harm reduction drop-in center proposed for the East Side has prompted pushback and stirred controversy due to a potential conflict of interest, a questionable proposal process and some potential cultural competency issues. We have the full rundown. Then, Green Bay Police posted a photo of their new recruits, one of whom had a tattoo representing an extremist militia movement. We have some thoughts. And before the break, an alert listener flagged a Cap Times column for us called "When we were a happier country," which prompts us to ask: happier for whom? Then, we talk to Quentin Riser and Quinlan Riser, twin brothers -- one a professor of child development, one a financial adviser -- who have published a children's book on personal finance, hoping to get parents talking with their kids about money early. And finally, as promised at the end of last year, our top albums of 2025!
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Who Are Wisconsin Schools Really Working For?
12/19/2025
Who Are Wisconsin Schools Really Working For?
This week on 365 Amplified, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Stephanie Díaz de León dig into Wisconsin’s latest school district report cards and ask a hard question: who actually benefits from how schools are graded? The conversation explores racial achievement gaps, how DPI weights “economically disadvantaged” students, and why some districts can earn top scores while deep racial disparities remain. The crew also reacts to the newly announced women’s soccer team, Rally Madison, unpacking the name, branding, symbolism, and fan response — plus what it says about women’s sports, marketing, and who teams are really built for. Later, Rob sits down with Fitchburg City Council member Donald Dantzler, who’s running for re-election and for Dane County Board. Dantzler reflects on his first term, major city projects, housing and transportation challenges, and why county government plays such a critical — and often overlooked — role in people’s daily lives. The episode wraps with the weekly question: if you had a warning label, what would it say?
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The No Wax Cloud Dancer Edition
12/12/2025
The No Wax Cloud Dancer Edition
As promised after last week's grammar discussion, Rob talks through the etymology of the word "sincere" and Omar coins a new slang term. All that only after: We get updates on stories we've been following in the Sun Prairie Area School District and the Dane County Department of Human Services.' We look ahead to the CEOs of Tomorrow "Pitch and Launch" event this weekend We note a few local elected officials who announced this week that they're running again Rock County Board Supervisor Genia Stevens joins us to tell us why she's not running again, how Rock County JumpStart is expanding and what new endeavor she's launching We make note of the "Color of the Year" and the issues with this year's selection Connect: Full coverage at Support Local Journalism! If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit to contribute. Every donation through the end of the year is doubled! Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions on BlueSky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn
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It's Bazaar & Gala Season
12/05/2025
It's Bazaar & Gala Season
In this week’s episode of 365 Amplified, the team dives into a busy stretch of community events, local politics, sports news, and a thoughtful conversation with the leaders of the Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals. Highlights Holiday Black Bazaar returns bigger than ever, featuring 50+ Black-owned vendors, performances, and community gathering space at the Hub. Profile: Percy Brown — Omar talks about the new Carey Middle School principal and his winding journey through education and DEI work. Governor’s race update — Mandela Barnes enters; the crew discusses timing, name recognition, new potential candidates, and what redistricting could mean for 2026. Judo phenom — Seventh-grader Ilion Hoskins heads to Peru to represent Team USA at the Pan American Championships. Sports roundup — Badger volleyball advances in NCAA play; Forward Madison re-signs Derek Gebhard and adds veteran defender Mark Segbers; the new Madison women’s team unveils its branding December 12. Milwaukee soccer stadium — Still in the works, but no ground broken yet. Feature Interview Current and incoming YP presidents Kayla Conklin and Déja Mason join the show to discuss: YP’s growth and Central Region Chapter of Excellence recognition Why affinity spaces matter for young Black professionals Goals for 2026, including community service, advocacy, leadership development, and food security work
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Will Rodney Rave be Wisconsin's first Native member of Congress?
11/28/2025
Will Rodney Rave be Wisconsin's first Native member of Congress?
On the podcast today, Rob talks through a few news items before chatting with Rodney Rave, who's running for Congress in Wisconsin's Third Congressional District, which covers most of Western Wisconsin. A former Ho-Chunk Nation legislator, Rave could become the first Indigenous person to represent the state in Washington. Today's episode is brought to you by . Support local nonprofit news at . All donations from now until December 31 will be matched!
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