Best Kenoshaconnects Podcasts (2025)

1
w/Dino Katris-Mr. Yee's and beyond 59:06

Play Pause

7d ago59:06

59:06

Coming from a Greek family with deep restaurant roots, Dino Katris tried to escape his ultimate destiny – but he always came back to restaurants. In just a short time, Dino has become recognized for honoring the legacy of classic eateries while giving them renewed energy. Most recently he helped bring a downtown restaurant back with Mr. Yee’s, 5030…

1
w/JJ McAuliffe 1:28:31

14d ago1:28:31

1:28:31

What is happening here? Ktown Connects is reaching across the border! We connect with JJ McAuliffe, owner of McAuliffe’s Pub, 3700 Meachem Road in Racine! JJ knew the assignment and he came to talk, so enjoy this super-sized episode! We get to know young JJ – how he discovered his love for metal and punk rock as a kid, to booking bands in the 80’s,…

1
w/Michelle Pedicone-58 Below 58:33

21d ago58:33

58:33

Today we connect with Michelle Pedicone, owner of 58 Below, 504 58th St., home of the best rock and roll stage in Kenosha. We talk to her about growing up in Kenosha, opening the bar with her husband Dom (who passed in 2020), and how she is carrying on his legacy. Follow their website for a full schedule of upcoming shows – most of them with NO COV…

1
BLANKFEST 19 - w/Ron Purtee & JJ McAuliffe 36:33

29d ago36:33

36:33

On this special episode, we connect with Ron Purtee and JJ McAuliffe to talk about BLANKFEST 19 coming to McAuliffe’s Pub, 3700 Meacham Road in Racine for three days – Friday, December 12th – Sunday, December 14th. Admission is one new or gently used clean blanket which will be given out to local charities. Enjoy a weekend of great entertainment at…

1
w/Rob (Villa D'Carlo) & Kevin (Franks Diner) 57:50

1M ago57:50

57:50

It’s time for another KENOSHA CONVERSATION as we reconnect with past guests Rob Greskoviak, owner of Villa D’Carlo, and Kevin Ervin, who owns Frank’s Diner with his wife Julie. Both Rob and Kevin have been longtime members of the Downtown Kenosha B.I.D., so of course we dive into all things Downtown Kenosha and its ever-changing landscape — but we …

1
w/Shad DeLacy-Stitches & Her Clothing 59:34

2M ago59:34

59:34

Shad DeLacy has led a life of experiences. Although many downtown shoppers may know him as the salesman/manager for many years at SJ Crystals, Shad has taken numerous paths – both within himself and around the world. Now that Lew Aceto of SJ Crystals has retired, this gave Shad the kick he needed to conquer his longtime dream of being his own busin…

1
w/Katie Gray-Lakeside Players at the Rhode 59:49

2M ago59:49

59:49

Katie Gray grew up with the Rhode theater – quite literally, her father, Jeff Gray, was one of the early members of Lakeside Players! Today, she has been in every corner of the Rhode Center for the Arts and currently serves as President of the Lakeside Players. This drama group is located in the beautiful downtown Rhode theater and has a wonderful …

1
w/Rachel & Mike-Kenosha Brewing Company 59:44

3M ago59:44

59:44

Fifteen years ago, Rachel and Mike met while working at a little southside gastropub named Bull & Bear! Over the years, Bull & Bear began diving into on-site brewing and evolved into the Kenosha Brewing Company, and this dynamic duo have been serving up fantastic food, tasty beers, and top notch service ever since! Stop in to Kenosha Brewing Compan…

1
w/Kevin Mathewson-Kenosha County Eye 1:48:56

4M ago1:48:56

1:48:56

Some people love him, some people love to hate him, some people just hate him. But we connect with former Alderman, and the creator of the local news website Kenosha County Eye, Kevin Mathewson. From his young days of partying in Kenosha, to fighting the “old boys club” at City Council, and to his current day feuds, Kevin came to our studio proclai…

1
w/Jackie Niccolai-Kenosha Exposed 1:05:48

4M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Jackie Niccolai has lived a life of ups and downs, good choices and poor choices. After an abusive relationship, she felt that she became a target of a local news website and launched a heavy counterattack in the summer of 2024 which led to a now infamous feud. But as time went by, Jackie realized that there were serious stories in our government t…

1
w/Sarah Opatz-Kenozia 'zine 54:04

4M ago54:04

54:04

Inspired by the print media of her youth, as well as her art mentors, Sarah Opatz created Kenozia this summer to celebrate local artists of many different mediums. Find free copies of issue #1 of Kenozia (while supplies last) at Anderson Arts Center, the Kenosha Public Library branches, the Kenosha Public Museum, East View Coffee, Cut Stone Pizza, …

1
w/Robert Carlson-Grow Space Vertical Farms 54:31

5M ago54:31

54:31

You might not know it, but chances are you have already enjoyed some of the delicious fresh produce from Grow Space Vertical Farms, 3127 Roosevelt Road. For over the past two years, they have providing some of our local businesses with their produce! Today we connect with Robert Carlson, who is the co-founder & CEO of this new business. Cultivate a…

1
w/Amalia-Wooden Chair Antiques 58:37

6M ago58:37

58:37

This week we connect with Amalia “Maya“ Salinas, owner and operator of Wooden Chair Antiques, 5710 Fourth Ave. All her life, Maya has dreamt of owning her own business, and she has finally made her dreams come true in Downtown Kenosha – but there is so much more for her to conquer – she is a strong woman with a vision of her future, and it looks li…

1
Kenosha Conversation w/Chelsea Sallese and Ben Trecroci 1:05:22

6M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

It’s time for another Kenosha Conversation as we welcome back two fantastic Downtown Kenosha business owners: Chelsea Sallese of Sallese and Company – the newest salon and boutique in Downtown Kenosha with a focus on enhancing our community by supporting local artists and stylists; and Ben Trecroci of Trecroci Realty. Ben is following in the footst…

1
w/Rachel Young-Sipos 1:00:00

7M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Rachel Young-Sipos has a long history here in Kenosha, her family has been here for several generations, dating back to her great-great grandfather Charles Young being the longtime lighthouse keeper in Kenosha. Through the years, Rachel’s love for music has led her in different directions. From her operatic aspirations, to hanging out at local open…

1
w/Frank Carmichael 2:01:52

7M ago2:01:52

2:01:52

Behind all the great things Kenosha has to offer, there are many people behind the scenes who bring these things for life. And for over 50 years, Frank Carmichael has been one of those people. From his early days as a popular Tremper student, to becoming a movie theater owner by age 20 and a magazine publisher not long after, Frank has always asked…

1
w/Johnny'Z Pour House 57:43

7M ago57:43

57:43

After learning the ropes working for the Mike’s franchise around Kenosha in the 2010’s, John Ziemba launched out on his own in 2017, opening Johnny’Z Pour House at 10936 Sheridan Road. After establishing this business as a proven success, Johnny is branching out with TWO new enterprises! Next week, the Lake Andrea Beer Garden opens for the season a…

1
Reconnect and Remix w/Joy-Lulu Birds and Sam-Blue House Books 35:26

8M ago35:26

35:26

It’s a reConnection and a reMix very special episode when we welcome Joy of Lulu Birds, 5913 Sixth Ave-A, and Sam of Blue House Books, 5915 Sixth Ave-A, to fill us on the changes since they were on the show over four years ago! This episode was recorded on April 21, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the L…

1
w/Mitch Braver 56:26

8M ago56:26

56:26

Today we connect with local artist Mitch Braver = for the past seven years, Mitch has been tattooing customers at Tallulah Tattoo in Downtown Kenosha. You can find more details at his website oldhabitsdeadrabbits.com - there you can also find details on how to pick up his book featuring his fantastic line art drawings. We dig deep with Mitch to tal…

1
Kenosha Conversations w/Ben DeSmidt & Art DeBaere 1:07:14

8M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

On this episode we connect with Ben DeSmidt, co-owner of Union Park Tavern as well as serving as our 65th District Assemblyman and Art Debaere, owner of Champions Sports Bar, 17th District Alderperson, president of the Kenosha Tavern League and a representative for the Wisconsin Tavern League. Although these two may differ poltically, they are both…

1
w/Tony and Emily-Ron's Place 53:58

8M ago53:58

53:58

Ron’s Place originally opened back in 1972, long before Tony and Emily Vole were even born. But this couple purchased the business last year and are looking forward to continuing providing Kenosha with their delectable 5x5 burgers, their world famous Long Island Ice Teas, and their wonderful hospitality and exceptional customer service. Ron’s Place…

1
w/Janette Hill-artist 54:33

9M ago54:33

54:33

We get artsy this week on Ktown Connects as we connect with artist Janette Hill! You might not know it by talking to her, but Janette wasn’t born here in Kenosha – join us as we dive into her past, what brought her to the Midwest and how she fell in love with art. Janette is a multi-talented artist – she has illustrated dozens of children’s books, …

1
Ktown Conversations w/Craig Pias & Hill Wozniel 1:03:39

9M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

We continue our Kenosha Conversations series with owners of two of the greatest dive bars in Kenosha – Craig of The Port of Kenosha Beverage House and Hill of Hill’s Hot Rod Hideout. In this episode, these two icons talk about the struggles and benefits of being a bar owner in Kenosha, all while sharing numerous drinks with your hosts. This episode…

1
w/Trista Jablonski-To and From Gift Shop 59:04

9M ago59:04

59:04

Today we connect with Trista Jablonski, the new owner of To and From Gifts, 5535 Sixth Avenue. Trista tells us all about her early days growing up in Kenosha – attending Indian Trail Academy during one of the darkest periods in Kenosha High School history, why she left Kenosha for a few years to pursue a career in youth ministry, and why she return…

1
w/Jim Namio-entertainer & artist 59:18

9M ago59:18

59:18

What came first the singing or the suits? Well, you can find out this week when we connect with the smooth dresser with the captivating voice – Jim Namio. Jim has been a lifelong creator -- whether it was writing as a child while listening to film soundtracks, developing into a nationally recognized acrylic artist in high school, or making fabulous…

1
w/Michael Ventura-Mars Cheese Castle 55:57

10M ago55:57

55:57

Smile and say “CHEESE!” Today we connect with Michael Ventura of Mars Cheese Castle. Michael, who runs this iconic Kenosha business with his family, is the grandson of the late Mario Ventura Sr, who along with his wife Martha, started up a little cheese shop over 75 years ago! In this episode we get into all the details about the history of Mars Ch…

1
St Patrick's Day Parade 1:03:44

10M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

The Inaugural Eric Olson Memorial St Patrick’s Day Parade is coming on Saturday, March 15th, and with all the details we have three of the event organizers in the studio with us – Kevin Ervin of Franks Diner, Mick Kelly of Captain Mike’s and Jonathan Olson of Swedes’s. Saturday, March 15th activities in Downtown Kenosha: 7am Franks Diner opens serv…

1
w/Eric Houghton-Ktown Burlesque Show 21:58

12M ago21:58

21:58

Learn all about the history of the Ktown Burlesque Show from co-creator, co-producer, and one of the stars of the show - Eric Houghton - in this special mini-episode recorded at the Rhode Center for the Arts. The 10th Ktown Burlesque show is coming to the Rhode Center in Downtown Kenosha for six amazing performances: Friday, January 17th at 8pm; Sa…

1
w/Dean Tawwater-Tawwater Sign Co 55:06

1y ago55:06

55:06

If you have seen some of the beautiful hand-painted signs around Kenosha, there is a good chance that the steady hand behind that sign is none other than Kenosha artist Dean Tawwater! After growing up in Kenosha and discovering a love for art, Dean branched out and explored the US, but like most of us, he returned to his beloved hometown where he b…

1
w/Bill Lawrence 1:11:58

1y ago1:11:58

1:11:58

Today we sit down with local radio icon and legendary “nice guy” Bill Lawrence! Bill spent over 30 years in radio, with most of those years as the morning voice on Kenosha’s own WLIP. Bill talks about how he fell in love with the Chicago Cubs and radio as a kid growing up in Racine County, his first starts and stumbles in radio, and looks back on h…

1
Ktown Conversation w/Steve Casey & John Fox 1:25:08

1y ago1:25:08

1:25:08

This week, we dive into a Ktown Conversation with two former civic leaders, Steve Casey, former Alder for the 12th district from 1988-2010 and John Fox, Downtown ambassador and former 2nd district Alder from 2016-19. We chat it up roundtable style about some of the hottest topics in Kenosha in 2024 including the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, the…

1
w/Luke & Meghan-Hold My Beer 59:39

1y ago59:39

59:39

Luke and Meghan are proud “Kenoshans by choice,” they are an amazing couple who individually relocated to our town many years ago. After falling in love with each other and then the downtown area, the two made the decision to open a business. We sit down with Luke and Meghan and talk about what inspired them to incorporate alcohol and axes! Hold My…

1
Ronny F**kin' Valeo RIP (unedited interview) 2:01:25

1y ago2:01:25

2:01:25

We were saddened to hear about the passing of Kenosha icon and our good friend Ronny Valeo, who died October 16, 2024 at the age of 63. We were honored to have Ronny in our studio earlier this year to tell his story. Our show format is usually 90-120 minutes of chat, and then we edit it down to under an hour for the final public release. But all of…

1
w/Sarah Prince-Latibule 56:21

1y ago56:21

56:21

Sarah Prince dreamt of one day having her very own latibule - - a cozy, safe, hidden away place... And now she has it with her very own boutique shop and arts and craft studio – Latibule, located at 4906 Seventh Ave. Not only is Latibule a perfect place to get a one-of-a-kind gift, but Sarah also hosts numerous craft and painting classes throughout…

1
w/Russ Klisch & Matt Geary-Lakefront & Public Breweries 53:47

1y ago53:47

53:47

You may have heard the rumors, but have you heard the facts? One fact is that longtime Milwaukee beer icon Lakefront Brewery has taken over prime ownership of Public Brewing Company in Downtown Kenosha this past summer. You gotta listen to this episode to get all the details as we connect with Russ Klisch, co-founder and President of Lakefront Brew…

1
w/Rebecca Rivera-singer and ceramic artist 58:47

1y ago58:47

58:47

This week we connect with the lovely and talented Rebecca Rivera. Rebecca came to Kenosha under very typical circumstances, but since she arrived, she has begun to make a splash in the local art world! She is a singer/song-writer under the name Rebz River! Find her music here on Spotify! But wait – there's more!! She is also a ceramic artist and ha…

1
w/Emiko Chiappetta-Reid Street Studios 58:27

1+ y ago58:27

58:27

This week we connect with Emiko Chiappetta! After many years of professional teaching, Emiko has branched out with her very own art education studio with the Reid Street Studio, located at 920 61st Street! Reid Street Studios specializes in group and one-on-one art studio experiences for ages 3-18. For details, check out their website here! Emiko i…

1
w/David and Jeannette-Port of Fear Film Festival 1:00:00

1+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

David and Jeannette Haight are longtime Kenoshans and organizers of The Port of Fear Film Festival – which is coming to Kenosha next weekend at the Kemper Center! It’s much more than just films – come enjoy the Spooky Market – with vendors selling both handmade arts and crafts and creepy collectibles. Cocktails and food trucks will also be on site.…

1
w/Quinn Smith-About Time Moving 58:02

1+ y ago58:02

58:02

We’re movin’ and shakin’ this week, as we welcome Quinn Smith to the Ktown Connects Podcast. Quinn moved to Kenosha around 2012 and has built his business About Time Moving Systems into the #1 movers in the Kenosha area! If you are ready to relocate, contact Quinn and his staff for whatever needs you may have! Check out their website for more info!…

1
w/Sherry Ludwig-Bisou Lingerie 59:56

1+ y ago59:56

59:56

Sherry Ludwig, owner of Bisou Lingerie, 635 58th St, in Downtown Kenosha, says that her life drastically changes about every ten years. Well, from a hell-raising teenager to a military wife, to single woman who had just moved to Kenosha, Sherry has lead an interesting life! Since 2011, she has been a Downtown Kenosha business owner, and last year, …

1
w/Candy Eisenhauer - Part 2/2 59:56

1+ y ago59:56

59:56

This is part two of a two part interview, be sure to listen to part one to hear about Candy’s wild years! In the early 90’s, Candy Eisenhauer had sobered up and was looking for a new outlet in life. Taking her love of music, she opened CD Warehouse on 80th Street in 1996. Shortly after that, she joined the Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha – within s…

1
w/Candy Eisenhauer - Part 1/2 42:55

1+ y ago42:55

42:55

This is Part One of a Two Part Interview. Part Two arrives in your podcast player on Tuesday! Growing up on what was then Kenosha’s “West Side,” young Candy Eisenhauer was sneaking listening sessions of her older sister’s 45 records. It would just be a little hint of the amazing woman she would become. Enjoy this connection with musician, community…

1
w/John "Toast" O'Neill 57:21

1+ y ago57:21

57:21

One day, John O’Neill spent a night in Kenosha attending his sister’s wedding. Just that one visit and he fell in love with the town. It wouldn’t be long before he packed up his stuff and left Kettering, Ohio at the age of 26 to move to Kenosha. John, aka “Toast,” has been working the stand-up stages in the area for many years, you can catch him ho…

1
w/Meryl Strichartz-Simmons Island Beach House 57:46

1+ y ago57:46

57:46

Don’t tell Meryl Strichartz that she isn’t a true Kenoshan! Although she may have not been born and raised here, she has been here for more than 30 years and has embraced Kenosha as her true hometown! For many years, Meryl has been building her beachfront empire, her first steps was with the Lakeshore Pedal Tours – these fun bikes you have seen in …

1
w/Teddi Morin-Ruffolo's Spa 59:44

1+ y ago59:44

59:44

Teddi Morin wasn’t your average teenager. Growing up watching her father become a successful tattoo artist, and eventually business owner gave her the confidence and strength to succeed in her own life. At the age of 16, Teddi was already a licensed tattoo artist. But she continued to grow, and now as a woman, she is now the shareholder and operato…

1
w/Lily & Jenna-Who Did That? Social 1:00:00

1+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Lily Karnes and Jenna Zeihen first met while competing for Miss Kenosha, through the years, they have both won the pageant, with Lily winning in 2019 and Jenna in 2022. More recently the two now serve on the board for Miss Kenosha and as a mentor to the next generation. But, Lily and Jenna, along with the third piece of their puzzle, Hannah Stone, …

1
w/Chelsea Sallese 1:02:59

1+ y ago1:02:59

1:02:59

After spending her younger years in Kenosha, Chelsea Sallese got out of town for a few years and when she returned, she really realized just how much she loves Downtown Kenosha and the community! Now as an adult, Chelsea is involved in many different avenues around town. You might have had her serve you a cocktail at one of our great drinking estab…

1
w/Jaramie Brantley-Keno Nite Market 1:01:33

1+ y ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Jaramie Bentley spent his younger years in Kenosha not taking life too seriously and having a good time pursuing his passion – basketball. This led him to different places across the Midwest, through all these experiences, he grows and learns that authenticity is the way to live life. Jaramie grew into an artist with a growing interest in creating …

1
w/Angie & Ben (2024) 1:08:28

1+ y ago1:08:28

1:08:28

The couple so nice, we’re doing them twice! That’s right Angie and Ben of Union Park Tavern and Pavle’s Lounge return to Ktown Connects. But we had a lot of new stuff to talk about and they brought a milk crate full of alcohol for us to enjoy, which resulted in some candid talk about why they bought a second bar (Pavle’s Lounge, 1724 52nd St), Ben’…

1
w/Tamarra Coleman-Shalom Center 59:26

1+ y ago59:26

59:26

Tamarra Coleman may have grown up on Christmas Lane, but she still holds on to that glorious spirit most reserve for December all year long! Through her life, she has remained active in the community with several years as a Kenosha Unified School Board member and president, and currently she is the Executive Director of the Shalom Center! The Shalo…