This Week in Waukesha

40 Episodes
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By: Don Browne

Every Saturday morning, former Waukesha Alderman Don Browne hosts an hour long discussion on all things going on in Waukesha. Tune in from 7 to 9 AM for local guests and news from the Waukesha community!

Episode 90 – Sweet Traditions at Waukesha South – Pt. 2
Today at 5:32 PM

In this December 1st edition of This Week in Waukesha, Don Browne and producer Max Martinson welcome Waukesha South Band Boosters vice president Kristy Witt for a festive look at the school’s beloved annual Cookie Walk. Kristy shares how the event has grown into a major community fundraiser supporting the band, marching band, color guard, and jazz ensembles—powered by generous cookie donations, student volunteers, and strong alumni ties. From Santa visits and kid crafts to live performances by the South Jazz Ensemble, the Cookie Walk offers a joyful morning that fuels music education all year long. Join Don...


Episode 89 – Sweet Traditions at Waukesha South – Pt. 1
Today at 5:31 PM

In this December 1st edition of This Week in Waukesha, Don Browne and producer Max Martinson welcome Waukesha South Band Boosters vice president Kristy Witt for a festive look at the school’s beloved annual Cookie Walk. Kristy shares how the event has grown into a major community fundraiser supporting the band, marching band, color guard, and jazz ensembles—powered by generous cookie donations, student volunteers, and strong alumni ties. From Santa visits and kid crafts to live performances by the South Jazz Ensemble, the Cookie Walk offers a joyful morning that fuels music education all year long. Join Don...


Episode 88 – Understanding Indivisible: Community, Media, and Democracy – Pt. 2
Today at 5:25 PM

In this December 1st edition of This Week in Waukesha, Don Browne and producer Max Martinson welcome guests from Indivisible Waukesha County East for a thoughtful conversation on civic engagement, community organizing, and media literacy. The discussion explores the origins and mission of the Indivisible movement, the group’s local efforts—including their involvement with No Kings March and immigrant due-process work—and how everyday skills translate into activism. The episode also touches on polarized media, the role of trustworthy information, and the importance of local participation in democracy. It’s an insightful first segment that sets the stage for a de...


Episode 87 – Understanding Indivisible: Community, Media, and Democracy
Today at 5:23 PM

In this December 1st edition of This Week in Waukesha, Don Browne and producer Max Martinson welcome guests from Indivisible Waukesha County East for a thoughtful conversation on civic engagement, community organizing, and media literacy. The discussion explores the origins and mission of the Indivisible movement, the group’s local efforts—including their involvement with No Kings March and immigrant due-process work—and how everyday skills translate into activism. The episode also touches on polarized media, the role of trustworthy information, and the importance of local participation in democracy. It’s an insightful first segment that sets the stage for a de...


Episode 86 – Reflections and Community Spirit – Pt.2
11/24/2025

In this November 17th edition of This Week in Waukesha, Don Brown and producer Max Martinson reflect on a week filled with local stories of remembrance, generosity, and community spirit. Don shares updates on the upcoming fourth-anniversary memorial for the 2021 Christmas Parade attack, highlights a major charitable gift supporting the Waukesha food pantry, and spotlights local holiday initiatives like Letters to Santa. The episode also touches on Don’s recent grant-writing milestone, bustling downtown Waukesha weekends, Carroll University football, and heartwarming encounters with families who’ve embraced the city. Tune in for a warm, wide-ranging look at life in Wauk...


Episode 85 – Reflections and Community Spirit – Pt.1
11/24/2025

In this November 17th edition of This Week in Waukesha, Don Brown and producer Max Martinson reflect on a week filled with local stories of remembrance, generosity, and community spirit. Don shares updates on the upcoming fourth-anniversary memorial for the 2021 Christmas Parade attack, highlights a major charitable gift supporting the Waukesha food pantry, and spotlights local holiday initiatives like Letters to Santa. The episode also touches on Don’s recent grant-writing milestone, bustling downtown Waukesha weekends, Carroll University football, and heartwarming encounters with families who’ve embraced the city. Tune in for a warm, wide-ranging look at life in Wauk...


Episode 84 – Waukesha’s Week of Generosity – Pt. 2
11/18/2025

In this week’s episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don Browne returns with big local news, heartfelt reflections, and community spotlights. They discuss the extraordinary $3.5 million donation to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, upcoming memorials honoring the victims of the 2021 Christmas Parade tragedy, and a touching neighborhood initiative from Bikers Advocating Child Safety, who are once again collecting Letters to Santa. With Veterans Day fresh in mind, the hosts also take time to honor those who have served. Plus, a preview of their conversation with Waukesha resident and parade survivor Tyler Pudliner, whose philanthropy continues to inspire. Tu...


Episode 83 – Waukesha’s Week of Generosity – Pt. 1
11/18/2025

In this week’s episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don Browne returns with big local news, heartfelt reflections, and community spotlights. They discuss the extraordinary $3.5 million donation to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, upcoming memorials honoring the victims of the 2021 Christmas Parade tragedy, and a touching neighborhood initiative from Bikers Advocating Child Safety, who are once again collecting Letters to Santa. With Veterans Day fresh in mind, the hosts also take time to honor those who have served. Plus, a preview of their conversation with Waukesha resident and parade survivor Tyler Pudliner, whose philanthropy continues to inspire. Tu...


Episode 82 – From Waukesha to Hollywood – Pt. 2
11/06/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don sits down with comedian and actor Rob Baxter, a Waukesha South grad who left his “likable loser” label behind to chase stand-up dreams in Los Angeles, performing at The Improv and The Comedy Store alongside talents like Frank Caliendo. Rob shares how a chance gig as a freight elevator operator led to movie cameos and SAG membership, before returning home to teach and reconnect with his roots.


Episode 81 – From Waukesha to Hollywood – Pt. 1
11/06/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don sits down with comedian and actor Rob Baxter, a Waukesha South grad who left his “likable loser” label behind to chase stand-up dreams in Los Angeles, performing at The Improv and The Comedy Store alongside talents like Frank Caliendo. Rob shares how a chance gig as a freight elevator operator led to movie cameos and SAG membership, before returning home to teach and reconnect with his roots.


Episode 80 – Baseball Buddies- Pt. 2
10/30/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, D1 Baseball.com writer Patrick Ebert joins Don to discuss all things baseball, including historical teams, Patrick's job, and the World Series.


Episode 79 – Baseball Buddies – Pt. 1
10/30/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, D1 Baseball.com writer Patrick Ebert joins Don to discuss all things baseball, including historical teams, Patrick's job, and the World Series.


Episode 78 – Protests and Procession – Pt. 2
10/30/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don and Max talk about the recent No Kings protests that took place across the United States.


Episode 77 – Protests and Procession – Pt. 1
10/30/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don and Max discuss the recent No Kings protests that took place across the United States.


Episode 76 – Spooky Season – Pt. 2
10/20/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don and Max talk about all things related to the fall season, including upcoming trips, autumn recipes, and Halloween costumes.


Episode 75 – Spooky Season – Pt. 1
10/20/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don and Max talk about all things related to the fall season, including upcoming trips, autumn recipes, and Halloween costumes.


Episode 74 – City Politics and Mayoral Race – Pt. 2
10/13/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don talks about all things regarding the upcoming elections within the local government in the city of Waukesha.


Episode 73 – City Politics and Mayoral Race – Pt. 1
10/13/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don talks about all things regarding the upcoming elections within the local government in the city of Waukesha.


Episode 72 – Waukesha Stands Up – Pt. 2
10/03/2025

On this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don is joined by Dawn Lawien and Neal George, who are members of the up-and-coming Waukesha Resist movement. Waukesha Resist is a grassroots, non-partisan group made up of engaged citizens who are focused on peaceful demonstrations, in an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere, to resist the corruption and dismantling of our democratic principles.


Episode 71 – Waukesha Stands Up – Pt. 1
10/03/2025

On this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don is joined by Dawn Lawien and Neal George, who are members of the up-and-coming Waukesha Resist movement. Waukesha Resist is a grassroots, non-partisan group made up of engaged citizens who are focused on peaceful demonstrations, in an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere, to resist the corruption and dismantling of our democratic principles.


Episode 70 – The Black & Blue Hearts – Pt. 2
09/27/2025

Ken Maciejewski is a musician and heads The Black & Blue Hearts, a local music act with progressive rock notes. Ken is also the founder of "Ska-Appleton," an annual ska music festival. Ken currently works as a Business Development Manager for a leading packaging firm.


Episode 69 – The Black & Blue Hearts – Pt. 1
09/27/2025

Ken Maciejewski is a musician and heads The Black & Blue Hearts, a local music act with progressive rock notes. Ken is also the founder of "Ska-Appleton," an annual ska music festival. Ken currently works as a Business Development Manager for a leading packaging firm.


Episode 68 – Powering Up with Rob – Pt. 2
09/17/2025

This week in Waukesha, host Don Browne welcomes Rob Cuzner, a longtime Waukesha resident and professor at UW-Milwaukee. Rob leads groundbreaking research in sustainable electrical energy systems and has spent over two decades working on advanced power technologies for the Navy and industry. He shares his journey from engineering in Wisconsin’s manufacturing hubs to earning his PhD later in life, and how his family, career, and community have shaped his path. Tune in for a conversation that blends innovation, perseverance, and Waukesha roots.


Episode 67 – Powering Up with Rob – Pt. 1
09/17/2025

This week in Waukesha, host Don Browne welcomes Rob Cuzner, a longtime Waukesha resident and professor at UW-Milwaukee. Rob leads groundbreaking research in sustainable electrical energy systems and has spent over two decades working on advanced power technologies for the Navy and industry. He shares his journey from engineering in Wisconsin’s manufacturing hubs to earning his PhD later in life, and how his family, career, and community have shaped his path. Tune in for a conversation that blends innovation, perseverance, and Waukesha roots.


Episode 66 – Politics Without Violence – Pt. 2
09/12/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don gives his thoughts on the recent assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.


Episode 65 – Politics Without Violence – Pt. 1
09/12/2025

In this episode of This Week in Waukesha, Don gives his thoughts on the recent assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.


Episode 64 – Waukesha’s Going Green – Pt. 2
09/05/2025

This Week in Waukesha host Don Browne welcomes Waukesha County Green Team president Debra Schneider. Together, they discuss the group’s mission to build a more sustainable and connected community, highlight local initiatives making a difference, and share how residents can get involved in creating a greener future for Waukesha.


Episode 63 – Waukesha’s Going Green – Pt. 1
09/05/2025

This Week in Waukesha host Don Browne welcomes Waukesha County Green Team president Debra Schneider. Together, they discuss the group’s mission to build a more sustainable and connected community, highlight local initiatives making a difference, and share how residents can get involved in creating a greener future for Waukesha.


Episode 62 – Penebaker in Packerland – Pt. 2
08/29/2025

Khary Penebaker is a Wisconsin businessman, Democratic National Committee member, and outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention. A graduate of Marquette University High School and UW–Milwaukee, Khary has combined his professional experience and personal story to push for meaningful change both locally and nationally. He’s known for his leadership, activism, and commitment to building stronger communities across Wisconsin.


Episode 61 – Penebaker in Packerland
08/29/2025

Khary Penebaker is a Wisconsin businessman, Democratic National Committee member, and outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention. A graduate of Marquette University High School and UW–Milwaukee, Khary has combined his professional experience and personal story to push for meaningful change both locally and nationally. He’s known for his leadership, activism, and commitment to building stronger communities across Wisconsin.


Episode 60 – Union Strong – Pt.2
08/21/2025

Don's longtime friend Jim Makin joins This Week in Waukesha to discuss his time as a union representative in New York City.


Episode 59 – Union Strong – Pt.1
08/21/2025

Don's longtime friend Jim Makin joins This Week in Waukesha to discuss his time as a union representative in New York City.


Episode 58 – Sipping With Steve – Pt. 2
08/12/2025

Steve Schuyler is the founder of JavaTwist, a Wisconsin-based beverage brand blending cold-brew coffee with real fruit juices. A 30-year coffee veteran, Steve created JavaTwist after a spur-of-the-moment mix of cold brew and lemonade wowed his customers. Today, his inventive lineup, including the award-winning chocolate lemonade, continues to shake up the drink world, one bold flavor at a time.


Episode 57 – Sipping With Steve – Pt. 1
08/12/2025

Steve Schuyler is the founder of JavaTwist, a Wisconsin-based beverage brand blending cold-brew coffee with real fruit juices. A 30-year coffee veteran, Steve created JavaTwist after a spur-of-the-moment mix of cold brew and lemonade wowed his customers. Today, his inventive lineup, including the award-winning chocolate lemonade, continues to shake up the drink world, one bold flavor at a time.


Episode 56 – Bob’s Got the Blues – Pt. 2
08/06/2025

Bob Mittnacht is the driving force behind the Waukesha BluesFest, a celebration of music, community, and Wisconsin’s deep blues roots. As the longtime festival organizer, Bob has helped grow BluesFest into a can't-miss summer tradition, showcasing legendary acts and rising stars alike. In this episode, Bob talks tunes, talent, and what it takes to keep the blues alive in the heart of Waukesha.

Bob has been passionate about music since he first saw the Beatles play the Ed Sullivan Show on TV as a young boy growing up in Manitowoc. He has been involved in several as...


Episode 55 – Bob’s Got the Blues – Pt. 1
08/06/2025

Bob Mittnacht is the driving force behind the Waukesha BluesFest, a celebration of music, community, and Wisconsin’s deep blues roots. As the longtime festival organizer, Bob has helped grow BluesFest into a can't-miss summer tradition, showcasing legendary acts and rising stars alike. In this episode, Bob talks tunes, talent, and what it takes to keep the blues alive in the heart of Waukesha. Bob has been passionate about music since he first saw the Beatles play the Ed Sullivan Show on TV as a young boy growing up in Manitowoc. He has been involved in several aspects of th...


Episode 54 – Wagging with Stagg – Pt.2
08/06/2025

Jennifer Stagg is a dedicated community advocate and lifelong Waukesha resident. Known for her passion for local engagement and grassroots organizing, Jennifer has spent years working to strengthen civic connections and support initiatives that uplift her neighbors. Whether through volunteer work, mentorship, or her involvement in citywide programs, she brings a spirit of collaboration and care to everything she does. On this episode, we sit down with Jennifer to talk about her journey, her vision for Waukesha, and what it really means to build a stronger community from the ground up.


Episode 53 – Wagging with Stagg – Pt. 1
08/06/2025

ChatGPT said:

Jennifer Stagg is a dedicated community advocate and lifelong Waukesha resident. Known for her passion for local engagement and grassroots organizing, Jennifer has spent years working to strengthen civic connections and support initiatives that uplift her neighbors. Whether through volunteer work, mentorship, or her involvement in citywide programs, she brings a spirit of collaboration and care to everything she does. On this episode, we sit down with Jennifer to talk about her journey, her vision for Waukesha, and what it really means to build a stronger community from the ground up.


Episode 52 – Stories With Stephanie – Pt. 2
07/29/2025

Stephanie Olson of Alterations Unlimited has been a downtown Waukesha business owner for 42 years, and she shows no signs of slowing down. Her latest endeavor involves using children's art for new fashions!


Episode 51 – Stories With Stephanie – Pt. 1
07/29/2025

Stephanie Olson of Alterations Unlimited has been a downtown Waukesha business owner for 42 years, and she shows no signs of slowing down. Her latest endeavor involves using children's art for new fashions!