365 Amplified

From Madison365, weekly discussion of the news for and from Wisconsin's communities of color and allies.

A "cosmic romp" & local news controversy 11/14/2025

A false news story, a response and what it all means 11/07/2025

FoodShare ends this weekend 10/31/2025

FoodShare ends this weekend Hosts: Rob Chappell, Stephanie Díaz de León, Omar Waheed Guest: Prenicia Clifton Episode Overview This week, the team covers the end of SNAP benefits and its impact on Wisconsin families and small businesses, the return of Madison Nonprofit Day, the growing threat of media capture, and a few lighter conversations to close the show — including conspiracy theories they wish were true. SNAP Benefits Ending Nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites are about to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as of November 1. Rob, Stephanie, and Omar discuss what this means for food pantries, families, and local economies. They also highlight that federal workers are unpaid during the shutdown and that the ripple effects extend to small businesses and farmers. LOUD's New Gallery Space Omar talks with Oscar Morales, founder of Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD), about opening a new gallery at Next Wave Studios on Madison’s east side. The first artist in residence, La Pistola from Oaxaca, led workshops and connected with Madison’s growing arts scene. Media Capture and the Importance of Local News Rob discusses a recent episode of the Question Everything podcast, focusing on “media capture” — when governments or their allies take control of the media. Starting November 1, every donation to Madison365 will be doubled through the Institute for Nonprofit News’ matching fund. Madison Nonprofit Day Returns Guest: Prenicia Clifton, organizer of Madison Nonprofit Day, joins to preview the event’s return on Friday, November 7 at TruStage. She explains that it’s a professional development opportunity for nonprofit professionals, board members, and community leaders — with sessions on funding, collaboration, safety, and leadership transitions. “Professional development is often the last thing invested in,” Clifton says. “But we need to develop ourselves to serve our communities safely and effectively.” Highlights include: Opening panel with Angela Davis (Madison Community Foundation), Angela Russell (TruStage), Renée Moe (United Way of Dane County), and Shiva Bidar-Sielaff (UW Health) Workshops on fundraising, partnership, and succession planning Clifton’s keynote on preventing abuse in youth-serving spaces Social Impact Happy Hour recognizing local changemakers 🎟️ Register: Roundtable Question: Conspiracy Theories We Wish Were True 365 Amplified is produced by Rob Chappell for the 365 Media Foundation, a nonprofit local media organization in Madison, Wisconsin. Follow Madison365 on , , , , and . /episode/index/show/itsonly10minutes/id/38854980

Pumpkins, politics & a rising Disney star 10/24/2025

Pumpkins, politics & a rising Disney star Hosts: Rob Chappell, Stephanie Díaz de León, and Omar Waheed Guest: Nate Buescher, UW–Madison freshman and star of Disney Channel’s Electric Bloom Runtime: 53:38 On this week's podcast, we catch up on a range of news stories from the week, and get acquainted with a new neighbor who's a rising Disney star. 🌟 Leadership Summit Preview The eighth annual 365 Leadership Summit is just around the corner, happening Monday, November 3, at the Madison Concourse Hotel. Stephanie and Rob preview the lineup: Opening panel “Leadership Unscripted” with Henry Sanders, Dr. Sagashus Livingston, Karen Menendez Coller of Centro Hispano, and Chairman Tehassi Hill of the Oneida Nation. Honoring the 2025 Most Influential Leaders at the evening celebration. Presented by UW Credit Union and other key sponsors. “It feels like a homecoming,” Stephanie says — a reunion for changemakers across Wisconsin. Register now at . 🔫 Moms Demand Action at the Capitol Omar reports from the State Capitol, where Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action held their annual Advocacy Day, pushing for six common-sense gun safety measures: Banning guns on college campuses Universal background checks Extreme risk protection orders (“Red Flag Laws”) Tax-free gun safes Stricter liability for unsafe firearm storage Background checks for gun store employees Stephanie reminds listeners that “the Second Amendment is not absolute,” and Rob notes that every proposal sounded “pretty sensible.” 📚 Wisconsin Book Festival: Shobha Rao Returns Omar recaps his interview with novelist Shobha Rao, author of Indian Country, ahead of her Wisconsin Book Festival appearance. The book explores land, memory, and identity through a murder mystery lens. Rao recalls her “healing” time living in Madison as a young adult and her love of Wisconsin's own Laura Ingalls Wilder. 🏫 MMSD’s $507 Million Plan Madison voters approved a massive school facilities referendum, and the Sherman and Shabazz schools are first in line for new buildings. Omar details plans for larger classrooms, separate libraries, and a 13,500-square-foot gym — all ready by September 2027. Stephanie highlights how basic needs like warmth, air flow, and space “deeply affect how kids learn.” 🥫 SNAP Benefits Suspended Rob reports troubling news: 700,000 Wisconsinites could lose access to FoodShare (SNAP) benefits starting November 1 due to the federal government shutdown. The panel discusses who’s affected — families, seniors, and the disabled — and pushes back on myths about “lazy” recipients. 🎬 Guest Interview: Nate Buescher, Star of Electric Bloom Rob chats with Nate Buescher, a freshman at UW–Madison and co-star of Disney’s new teen series Electric Bloom, now streaming on Disney+. Nate shares: How he landed the role after months of auditions Filming in California and the culture shock from Chicago winters to LA His plans to study biology while continuing acting His lifelong passion for storytelling — from Weebles Wobbles commercials at age seven to now being part of Disney’s next big friendship series. “Even though the show’s for tweens,” Nate says, “my grandma watches it — and she loves it.” 💬 The Question: “What’s Your Ratio?” In the closing segment, Stephanie poses this week’s question: “What’s your ratio of pretending to know what’s going on versus actually knowing what’s going on?” After a wild story about a $88 million jewel heist at the Louvre, the crew confesses to plenty of “confident BSing.” Omar admits he’s “winging it 70% of the time,” while Rob recalls faking his way through a grad seminar, and somehow getting away with it. 🎧 Subscribe & Follow 365 Amplified is produced and edited by Rob Chappell for 365 Media Foundation, a nonprofit local independent media organization based in Madison, Wisconsin. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow Madison365 on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and Bluesky. /episode/index/show/itsonly10minutes/id/38765780

"Fascism aims to divide us:" a conversation with Francesca Hong 10/17/2025

"Fascism aims to divide us:" a conversation with Francesca Hong Rob and Omar kick off this week’s 365 Amplified with stories making headlines across Madison365: Hmong New Year 50th Anniversary – A preview of this year’s celebration marking 50 years since Hmong families began arriving in Wisconsin, emphasizing renewed connections with elders and cultural traditions. Indigenous Business Conference – Omar reports from Milwaukee’s Potawatomi Casino, where hundreds of Indigenous entrepreneurs and tribal leaders gathered to discuss sovereignty, new trade opportunities, and economic independence. Funding Cuts for Nonprofits – At Madison’s Progress Center for Black Women, Alder Sabrina Madison called on the community to help sustain local nonprofits as public and philanthropic support declines, citing new data on wage and health disparities affecting Black women. No Kings Rallies – A look ahead to Saturday’s nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations, the difference between protests and rallies, and the importance of visible collective action in defending democracy. Main Interview: Rep. Francesca Hong The first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Assembly joins Rob to discuss her run for governor and her vision for a state grounded in community care and resistance to authoritarianism. Topics include: Why She’s Running: Hong frames her campaign as a movement against fascism and a push for imagination, solidarity, and working-class power. Public Safety and Community Protection: She calls for state action to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and urges residents to report ICE activity through community hotlines rather than social media. Economic and Care Policies: Universal child care up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, paid leave for all, and investment in care workers to strengthen families and local economies. Public Bank Proposal: Modeled after North Dakota’s public bank and Wisconsin’s existing WEDC infrastructure to provide low-interest loans and grants to small businesses. Healthcare Reform: Expand BadgerCare, hold large hospital systems accountable for costs, and reduce premiums for small business employees. Movement Building: Encouraging Democrats to compete in every district and support local candidates to build lasting working-class power statewide. On Protest and Democracy: Hong calls protest “direct democracy” and urges Wisconsinites to show up in the streets as visible proof that they are not alone in fighting fascism. Connect: Full coverage at Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit to contribute. Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions: 📲 | | | | 🎧 Subscribe & tune in every Friday for the latest insights on local and national news! /episode/index/show/itsonly10minutes/id/38611420

Madison's first woman-centered sports bar is coming soon 10/10/2025

Madison College has a new president 10/03/2025

The GenXPats 09/26/2025

"A Court of Resistance." Judicial candidate Huma Ahsan 09/19/2025

Affordability, Equity, and the Road to 2026: David Crowley Joins the Race 09/12/2025

Affordability, Equity, and the Road to 2026: David Crowley Joins the Race This week on 365 Amplified, the team dives into national, state, and local news—and sits down with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has just entered the race for governor of Wisconsin. Highlights from this episode: Political violence and rhetoric: The hosts discuss the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, the responses from both the right and the left, and the broader implications for gun control, public safety, and accountability. Wisconsin politics: David Crowley joins the show to talk about his campaign for governor, his path from youth organizing to county executive, and his priorities for affordability, public schools, health care, and rural outreach. He also shares his pick for favorite Wisconsin-born celebrity. Statewide races: Former State Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa announces her run for Secretary of State, adding to the shakeup in Wisconsin’s political landscape. Local reporting: Omar brings updates on Dane County rangers threatening unhoused residents near Yahara Park, and the community response to protect those living outside. Community & culture: Rasta Barista hosts Madison’s first-ever Jerk and Jollof Cookoff, a celebration of Caribbean and African food that also raises funds for youth empowerment programs. Sports: This weekend, Wisconsin football has a tall order in Alabama, and it's the Henny Derby between Forward Madison and Richmond Kickers. Fun & reflections: The hosts share childhood beliefs they held onto too long (and air some pet peeves about language and punctuation). Connect: Full coverage at Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit to contribute. Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions: 📲 | | | | 🎧 Subscribe & tune in every Friday for the latest insights on local and national news! /episode/index/show/itsonly10minutes/id/38189825

The percolator incident 09/05/2025

Fathers in Focus 08/29/2025

MGFC just fired its only Black head coach 08/22/2025

Art House 360 is open! 08/15/2025

A Constitutional crisis and a local recall 08/08/2025

The Gov race is on. Who's in? 08/01/2025

Arts & Access 07/25/2025

Sunsetting DEI, switching sports & saving schools 07/11/2025

Foraging, football & Fortify Fitness 07/04/2025

Wine & cupcakes! 06/27/2025

Madison Black Restaurant Week is coming 06/20/2025

Madison Black Restaurant Week is coming This week, Rob Chappell brings you news and voices from the community while the rest of the team is scattered. Highlights include: 📰 Top Stories: The Center for Black Excellence and Culture announces it has raised all $31 million for construction—debt free! A Black Lives Matter sign at Crestwood Elementary is vandalized. The Girls State Soccer Tournament kicks off with Madison-area teams in the finals. Forward Madison celebrates Juneteenth with a special jersey designed by local artist Brooklyn Doby. 🍽️ Main Interview: Camille Carter, President and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, joins Rob to preview the 10th annual Madison Black Restaurant Week, coming up August 10–17. She shares: The history and evolution of the campaign, which began with just 12 restaurants and now includes over 40 Black-owned food businesses, including caterers, food trucks, dessert makers, and more. New and returning events: the Food Taste Jamboree at Warner Park, heirloom collard greens tasting, and a farm-to-table brunch. A look ahead at community voting and the celebratory dessert mixer on Sept. 18. 👟 In the Field with Omar: Omar reports from New Orleans (via time travel) after attending the No Kings protest in Madison. He shares scenes from the massive 15,000-person rally, speakers like Nick Ramos and John Nichols (with a surprise Bernie Sanders call-in), and some striking signs from protestors. Plus, a reminder to keep the momentum going. 👷 Latino Academy Spotlight: Omar also highlights the Latino Academy of Workforce Development’s newly revived construction training program, made possible by a grant from the Lowe’s Foundation. The first cohort just graduated 15 participants—including one entire family! Connect: Full coverage at Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit to contribute. Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions: 📲 | | | | 🎧 Subscribe & tune in every Friday for the latest insights on local and national news! /episode/index/show/itsonly10minutes/id/37085655

Chuck Brown is dead 06/13/2025

We Tell the News 06/06/2025

"Empathy is not a bargaining chip" 05/30/2025

Passing the Torch: Dr. Alex Gee hands Nehemiah over to Harry Hawkins 05/23/2025

Food is medicine 05/16/2025

Get outside! Advice for enjoying the great outdoors right here in Madison 05/09/2025

We got DOGEd 05/02/2025

Draft Day Edition 04/25/2025

"Hands off Black women" with Dana Pellebon 04/18/2025

"Hands off Black women" with Dana Pellebon \🎙️ 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 founder Brandi Grayson, the real story behind the organization’s county contracts, and the broader implications for Black-led organizations in Dane County. Key Topics Discussed: 🎂 Clyde Stubblefield Birthday Tribute: Celebrating the legacy of the “Funky Drummer” with insight from mentee Joey Banks. 🏀 Knut Knueppel Declares for the NBA Draft: Why the Wisconsin standout is turning pro and what it means for the future of a basketball legacy. 🔍 Channel 3000 Article & County Scrutiny: Breaking down the problematic coverage, including selective targeting of Brandi Grayson’s LinkedIn and resume. 📝 The Bigger Picture: Racism, entitlement, and why Urban Triage is being held to a different standard. 💥 Quote to Remember: “Hands off Brandi Grayson. Hands off the Black women that are doing the work.” – Dana Pellebon 🧟 Zombie Apocalypse Check-In: To lighten the mood, the crew imagines who they’d bring with them in a zombie apocalypse survival team. Connect: Full coverage at Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit to contribute. Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions: 📲 | | | | 🎧 Subscribe & tune in every Friday for the latest insights on local and national news! /episode/index/show/itsonly10minutes/id/36217260

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