Direct Connect Conversations

If you’re passionate about workforce development in Milwaukee or just curious about the impact community organizations make, episode 12 of the Direct Connect Milwaukee (DCMKE) podcast is an absolute must-listen. Hosted by Jason, this episode features Frederick Nelson from Employ Milwaukee, a man who calls himself the “workforce bridge,” and rightfully so. Here’s a breakdown of all the insights and inspiration packed into this conversation.

Guest Spotlight: Frederick Nelson—The Workforce Bridge

Frederick Nelson has been a pivotal figure in Milwaukee’s workforce landscape for nearly 30 years. Currently at Employ Milwaukee, he works in Business Sol...

Welcome back to Direct Connect Milwaukee, where we spotlight the movers and shakers making a real difference in our city. In this inspiring episode, “Voices of Youth,” host Speaker A sits down with Ms. Angelia Gatson of Northcott Neighborhood House–a local champion for youth employment and empowerment.

Ms. Gatson, the lead employment specialist at Northcott, gives listeners an inside look into the Arborist Landscape and Design and Construction-based training programs. These initiatives aren’t just about teaching hard skills like handling tools or earning certifications; they dig deeper, tackling crucial “soft skills” such as punctuality, accountability, communicatio...

If you’re looking for inspiration and practical advice on career advancement, networking, and workforce development, Episode 10 of the Direct Connect Milwaukee (DCMKE) podcast is a must-listen. Hosted by Jason, this episode features a deep dive with Jeff McAllister, Business Solutions Manager at Employ Milwaukee—a key figure in the region’s workforce ecosystem.

Meet the Guest: Jeff McAllister of Employ Milwaukee

The episode kicks off with Jeff McAllister sharing his career journey, which began in government and community relations, starting with his days working at the Capitol in Madison. He’s worn many hats, from rol...

Welcome back to DCMKE, where we connect Milwaukee communities through candid and insightful conversations. In Episode 9, titled "Knowledge is Power," we explore the deep and powerful relationship between education and workforce development with special guest, Dr. Corey L. Thompson.

Family, Foundations, and Finding a Calling

Right from the opening moments, listeners are welcomed into a personal and heartfelt conversation between Speaker A and his older brother, Dr. Corey L. Thompson (Speaker B). Their shared memories set a warm and intimate tone: stories of parent-teacher conferences, their father’s famous legal pad, and their mother’s life...

Welcome to Direct Connect Milwaukee’s (DCMKE) Episode 8, where we dive deep into the realities of searching for a job and getting that coveted first break. This episode features the candid and powerful story of James Morris, a Milwaukee native with more than 40 years of lived experience in the workforce, whose journey spans triumphs, and transformations.

Meet James Morris James grew up in Milwaukee, attended Dominican High School, and spent four decades working across industries—from counseling and administration to manual labor and job development. His journey, as he shares, is “unique unto him,” but he hopes it will...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to transform your passion into a sustainable career? In the latest episode of DCMKE, host Jason sits down with the multi-talented Chad Roper—music industry executive, educator, and founder of Amplifier—for a candid, wisdom-filled conversation you’ll want to replay again and again.

Meet Chad Roper: From Math Teacher to Grammy-Nominated Producer

The episode kicks off with Chad Roper sharing his Milwaukee roots and humble beginnings at Rufus King High School, leading all the way to attending Florida A&M University. What’s remarkable is his path—piv...

If you're on the lookout for real stories of transformation and hope, the latest episode of the DCMKE podcast is a must-listen. In Episode 6, fittingly titled "Overcoming the Odds," host Jason sits down with leaders from two of Milwaukee's most impactful reentry organizations — Project Return and Partners in Hope.

What’s This Episode About?

Jason kicks off the conversation by welcoming three dedicated community leaders: Andre Brown of Project Return, Frank Pinniger of Partners in Hope (Community Warehouse), and Franklin Coleman, the Job & Career Navigator at Community Warehouse.

Together, they peel back the curt...

Welcome back, everyone! If you’re a fan of community-driven conversations on workforce development or just curious about how job centers are changing lives in Milwaukee, episode 5 of the DCMKE podcast is an absolute must-listen. I’m excited to give you the inside scoop on this inspiring episode, featuring host Jason and guests Ric Ybarra from Maximus and Adi Bonetti from UMOS.

Meet Milwaukee’s Workforce Champions

The episode opens with Jason welcoming Ric Ybarra and Adi Bonetti—two leaders whose organizations are at the heart of Milwaukee’s workforce development scene.

On the latest episode of DCMKE, host Jason sits down with Mark Collins, Talent Placement Specialist at iCstars, to unpack how digital tools and intentional community engagement are transforming the Milwaukee job search.

About iCstars: Bridging Opportunity Gaps in Tech

Mark introduces iCstars as a career readiness program with deep roots in Chicago and growing impact in Milwaukee. Created in response to seeing talented individuals struggle to access opportunities, iCstars is all about comprehensive skill-building—offering a blend of web development fundamentals, Microsoft 365 tools, and exposure to real-life corporate environments. But it goes beyond the te...

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on city employment and community impact, the latest episode of DCMKE is a must-listen. Episode 3, titled From the City for the City: Community Leaders on Opportunity, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Milwaukee’s Department of Employee Relations (DER) is actively working to recruit, empower, and support talent from across the city.

Meet the Voices of City Employment

Host Jason is joined by two dynamic guests:

Both bring unique...

If you’re searching for real-world advice about job hunting, hiring practices, and the hospitality industry, the latest episode of the DCMKE podcast is a must-listen. This time, host Jason welcomes Laura, HR leader at Saz’s Hospitality Group in Milwaukee, and returning guest Randy McCarthy, for a dynamic and honest conversation.

Meet the Speakers

Key Take...

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your job search, unsure about your next career move, or just needed a little extra motivation, you’ll want to tune into the brand new podcast—Direct Connect Conversations (DCMKE).

Hosted by Jason, DCMKE isn’t just another career advice show. It’s a dynamic space built with Milwaukee’s community at its heart. In the very first episode, Jason welcomes listeners and lays out the mission: tackling career challenges, building meaningful connections, and strengthening community, all right here in Milwaukee.

Whether you’re looking for your first role, re-enter...