Best The Vacant Shapes Podcasts (2025)

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Van Sharma on growing Rupee Beer into a global brand 24:34

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1h ago24:34

24:34

Brothers Van and Sumit Sharma launched Rupee Beer about six years ago. The idea grew out of their family’s long history in the Indian restaurant business, their parents opened the first Indian restaurants in Maine after immigrating from the UK, and Van saw early on the challenges of finding a consistent supply of Indian beer in the U.S. Rupee Beer …

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How Barbara Anderson Turned Vacant Storefronts Into Art on the Ave NYC 25:12

9d ago25:12

25:12

At the height of Covid-19 In 2020, as storefronts across the city went vacant, some New Yorkers saw an opportunity. Art on the Ave NYC began filling empty windows with curated exhibitions, each paired with a QR code that let viewers hear directly from the artist. Since then, nearly a hundred spaces, from Columbus Avenue to Washington Heights, Bed-S…

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How a family recipe inspired Tiffany Campos to build Heritage Bread Pudding 25:57

14d ago25:57

25:57

Food often carries more than taste. It can bring back memories of family, traditions, and familiar places. That’s the response many people have to the dessert at the center of today’s episode. That dessert is Heritage Bread Pudding, the creation of Tiffany Campos. In less than a year, she has taken her Puerto Rican family recipe and built it into a…

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Sean Ro shares lessons from launching Lunar, an unapologetically Asian hard seltzer 26:31

23d ago26:31

26:31

Hard seltzer is one of the fastest-growing areas of the beverage industry. But within that, there’s still room for brands that bring something new to the table. Lunar does this with flavors like yuzu, lychee, and Korean plum, and with packaging that makes its Asian roots impossible to miss. The company was founded by Sean Ro and Kevin Wong, who bui…

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The Bee Conservancy shows small steps can add up to big change 23:26

1M ago23:26

23:26

Pollinators play a critical role in our food system, but their decline has immediate consequences for food security, public health, and the resilience of ecosystems. The Bee Conservancy was created in response to that reality. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into programs that bring pollinator gardens across the city, provide seeds an…

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How Los Herederos built a radio station inside a Jackson Heights subway station 24:36

1M ago24:36

24:36

It’s been just about a year since a once-empty storefront in the 74th Street Roosevelt Avenue subway station in Jackson Heights, became a space for retelling stories. It now houses Los Herederos, a nonprofit blending radio, archives, and public programs to document communities across Queens. The idea took shape in 2015 with a bilingual multimedia p…

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Bookpapi talks TikTok, grants, and starting The World’s Borough Bookshop 23:13

2M ago23:13

23:13

Opening a brick-and-mortar business in New York City takes more than just a good idea. It takes funding, strategy, establishing connections and a clear sense of purpose. That’s what Adrian Cepeda brought when he founded The World’s Borough Bookshop in Jackson Heights two years ago. His mission? To highlight BIPOC, immigrant, and first-gen authors, …

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How "Cultured Movement" uses dance to empower NYC kids 22:29

2M ago22:29

22:29

In New York City, the cost of access often determines who gets to step into the spotlight. Dance classes can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars, pricing out kids who could benefit from them most. That’s where Cultured Movement comes in. It’s a low-cost, culturally rooted dance program that centers confidence, and connection… not perfection. …

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Thursday 7/24/25: Vacant lots as canvas, Great Lakes treasures, Bubbler Talk 51:17

2M ago51:17

51:17

A conversation about leaving things better than you found them. We explore the Great Lakes. Bubbler Talk explores a plane crash on Milwaukee’s Jones Island in the 1950s and its connection to the Air and Water Show.

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Wednesday 7/23/25: Moms Mental Health Initiative, Domes improvements, Chirp Chat 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

The Moms Mental Health Initiative connects new parents with help. Milwaukee County set to vote on a funding plan for Mitchell Park Domes improvements. A new album all about Wisconsin birds.

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Nicolás Gabot is on a mission to make a sign for every neighborhood in NYC 22:43

2M ago22:43

22:43

In New York City, turning a creative idea into a business takes more than talent. It often means juggling multiple roles: artist, vendor, marketer… and figuring out how to make a living while staying true to your vision. It’s a balancing act that Nicolás Gabot, the founder of Brooklyn Art Factory, has been navigating for years. He’s the founder of …

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Tuesday 7/22/25: Meet Miss Wisconsin, small business and tariffs, Books and Beyond 51:21

2M ago51:21

51:21

We meet this year’s Miss Wisconsin. How a local small business owner is managing the changing tariff landscape. Books and Beyond explores the Wisconsin Concert Poster Collection.

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Monday 7/21/25: Northwoods lumberjack history, Experimental Aircraft Association, Dungeons and Dragons roots 51:17

2M ago51:17

51:17

The long history of lumberjacking in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. We learn about the Experimental Aircraft Association. The Wisconsin origins of Dungeons & Dragons.

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Thursday 7/17/25: MCTS budget deficit, monarch butterfly decline, Bubbler Talk 51:18

2M ago51:18

51:18

MCTS faces a budget deficit, and what's to come. Declining monarch butterfly population and what can be done. A new Bubbler Talk explores one of Milwaukee’s most notable murals.

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Wednesday 7/16/25: Brewery closures, Wisconsin's Poet Laureate, remembering Andrea Gibson 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

Recent closures of some local breweries. Wisconsin’s Poet Laureate speaks about plans for her term. We remember celebrated poet and performance artist Andrea Gibson.

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Inside Epicenter NYC’s Community-First Playbook That’s Revolutionizing Local News 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

We’re pulling back the curtain on Epicenter-NYC, introducing the team, sharing how we approach community journalism, and reflecting on what it means to serve our neighbors. We also say goodbye to Adriana Proaño, a founding team member who’s been at the heart of this work. Plus, a big update: we’re relaunching this show as Making It Here, featuring …

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Tuesday 7/15/25: RNC economic impact, Cycle, Summer of Soul, Jewel's Catch One 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

The economic impact of last summer’s Republican National Convention. The documentary Cycle examines the death of a Racine teenager at the hands of police. Preview of the Summer of Soul music series, and pay homage to the founder of what is now the oldest Black-owned disco in America.

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Monday 7/14/25: Wisconsin's new state budget, Brady Street history, Judy Garland 51:30

2M ago51:30

51:30

Wisconsin’s latest state budget, which Gov. Tony Evers signed earlier this month. History of Brady Street. Must-see attractions and experiences in Wisconsin. Behind Judy Garland’s last movie musical with MGM.

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Thursday 7/10/25: Immigration lawyer check in, disaster mitigation and meteorology, famous moons 51:22

3M ago51:22

51:22

Checking in with a Milwaukee immigration lawyer. The importance of accurate, accessible weather forecasts for disaster mitigation. The myths behind some of our solar system’s most famous moons. Science in the sand.

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Wednesday 7/9/25: Democratic Socialism in 2025, Ko-Thi Dance recovery, Cinematic Sisterhood 51:18

3M ago51:18

51:18

What it means to be a Democratic Socialist. Ko-Thi Dance Company’s efforts to raise money after losing federal funding. A new series called Cinematic Sisterhood expands the influence of women in film.

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How the Big Beautiful Bill threatens food security in New York City 21:03

3M ago21:03

21:03

On July 4th, the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, and with it, sweeping changes to food assistance programs that support millions of Americans. Advocates say it includes the largest cuts to SNAP in U.S. history. But this isn’t just about food budgets. Many warn of deeper ripple effects: on children’s health, educational outcomes, and the lon…

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Tuesday 7/8/25: Kidney donation, Milwaukee Ham radio, zoo death investigations 51:16

3M ago51:16

51:16

The process of donating a kidney. We meet some Ham radio enthusiasts and learn just how far their signal can go. How veterinary pathologists investigate zoo animal deaths.

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Monday 7/7/25: A look at ways people are working to protect the environment 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

We look at how flood risk has changed over time in Milwaukee and what can be done about it. We learn about the Farmers Market To Go store in Brookfield. We learn how the Crave Brothers farm is repurposing manure. Plus, tell you about the food and beauty that’s created by Milwaukee’s Cherry Street Garden.…

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Thursday 7/3/25: Choosing Love, Group Chat, Lake to Plate 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

How people can identify as both conservative Christians and LGBTQ+. Two college-bound Milwaukee grads fear leaving their undocumented parents behind. An exhibit helping people learn where the fish they eat comes from.

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Wednesday 7/2/25: ICE identification training, singing and heart health, Summer of Soul 51:18

3M ago51:18

51:18

We visit a training that helps people identify and interact with ICE agents. The connection between singing and heart health. Preview of the Summer of Soul music event series.

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How Burlap & Barrel built a farmer-first spice supply chain 25:54

3M ago25:54

25:54

In today’s global spice trade, farmers often have little control, and consumers end up with bland, aging products on their shelves. The process is opaque, dominated by large companies and layers of middlemen. The team behind Burlap & Barrel is working to change that. From wild cumin gathered in Afghanistan to cinnamon bark in Vietnam, their busines…

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Tuesday 7/1/25: Mental health, Cargill Community Kitchen, the original Barbie 51:29

3M ago51:29

51:29

The mental health struggles among communities of color and young people. The Cargill Community Kitchen at the Mitchell Street Library Branch. The original Barbie model.

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Monday 6/30/25: 'Choosing Love', Capitol Notes, Milwaukee Rec Director, pull tabs 51:18

3M ago51:18

51:18

We speak with the authors of “Choosing Love,” a book that explores how people can identify as both conservative Christians and LGBTQ+. We share the latest on the state budget in Capitol Notes. We meet the director of Milwaukee Recreation. Plus, learn why you find pull tabs in so many Wisconsin bars.

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Thursday 6/26/25: Humboldt Park history, Bay View Massacre victims, 'Marcella' documentary, Altoid tin art 51:30

3M ago51:30

51:30

We learn about the history of Milwaukee’s Humboldt Park. We learn about the victims of the Bay View massacre. We speak with the director of the film, "Marcella." Plus, talk with an artist who created scenes of Milwaukee in Altoid tins.

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Wednesday 6/25/25: Outgoing UWM Chancellor, Buc-ee's in Oak Creek, dunes 51:10

3M ago51:10

51:10

UW-Milwaukee outgoing chancellor Mark Mone talks about his decade on the job. We learn about plans to open a Buc-ee's in Oak Creek. Plus, tell you about dunes in the Midwest.

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City electorate shows up big despite frustration with current NYC leadership 15:33

3M ago15:33

15:33

Voter turnout in New York City’s mayoral primary was significantly higher than it was four years ago, but the mood on the ground wasn’t one of excitement. It was frustration. Over the past week, I’ve talked to voters across four boroughs along with Mariana Navarrete Villegas and Amanda DeJesus from the Epicenter team. What we heard again and again …

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Tuesday 6/24/25: Queer self defense class, JustUs and Books, Vel Phillips legacy, Live at Lake Effect 48:30

3M ago48:30

48:30

We visit a self defense class geared towards queer and transgender people. We meet a local educator using virtual story time to get kids interested in reading. We look at the legacy of Vel Phillips. We bring you our music series, Live at Lake Effect.

The Vacant Shapes Podcasts

4
Sonic Milk

Sonic Milk

1
Making It Here

Epicenter NYC

1
Lake Effect

Audrey Nowakowski, Joy Powers

1
Van Sharma on growing Rupee Beer into a global brand 24:34

1
How Barbara Anderson Turned Vacant Storefronts Into Art on the Ave NYC 25:12

1
How a family recipe inspired Tiffany Campos to build Heritage Bread Pudding 25:57

1
Sean Ro shares lessons from launching Lunar, an unapologetically Asian hard seltzer 26:31

1
The Bee Conservancy shows small steps can add up to big change 23:26

1
How Los Herederos built a radio station inside a Jackson Heights subway station 24:36

1
Bookpapi talks TikTok, grants, and starting The World’s Borough Bookshop 23:13

1
How "Cultured Movement" uses dance to empower NYC kids 22:29

1
Thursday 7/24/25: Vacant lots as canvas, Great Lakes treasures, Bubbler Talk 51:17

1
Wednesday 7/23/25: Moms Mental Health Initiative, Domes improvements, Chirp Chat 51:22

1
Nicolás Gabot is on a mission to make a sign for every neighborhood in NYC 22:43

1
Tuesday 7/22/25: Meet Miss Wisconsin, small business and tariffs, Books and Beyond 51:21

1
Monday 7/21/25: Northwoods lumberjack history, Experimental Aircraft Association, Dungeons and Dragons roots 51:17

1
Thursday 7/17/25: MCTS budget deficit, monarch butterfly decline, Bubbler Talk 51:18

1
Wednesday 7/16/25: Brewery closures, Wisconsin's Poet Laureate, remembering Andrea Gibson 51:22

1
Inside Epicenter NYC’s Community-First Playbook That’s Revolutionizing Local News 25:52

1
Tuesday 7/15/25: RNC economic impact, Cycle, Summer of Soul, Jewel's Catch One 51:23

1
Monday 7/14/25: Wisconsin's new state budget, Brady Street history, Judy Garland 51:30

1
Thursday 7/10/25: Immigration lawyer check in, disaster mitigation and meteorology, famous moons 51:22

1
Wednesday 7/9/25: Democratic Socialism in 2025, Ko-Thi Dance recovery, Cinematic Sisterhood 51:18

1
How the Big Beautiful Bill threatens food security in New York City 21:03

1
Tuesday 7/8/25: Kidney donation, Milwaukee Ham radio, zoo death investigations 51:16

1
Monday 7/7/25: A look at ways people are working to protect the environment 51:17

1
Thursday 7/3/25: Choosing Love, Group Chat, Lake to Plate 51:17

1
Wednesday 7/2/25: ICE identification training, singing and heart health, Summer of Soul 51:18

1
How Burlap & Barrel built a farmer-first spice supply chain 25:54

1
Tuesday 7/1/25: Mental health, Cargill Community Kitchen, the original Barbie 51:29

1
Monday 6/30/25: 'Choosing Love', Capitol Notes, Milwaukee Rec Director, pull tabs 51:18

1
Thursday 6/26/25: Humboldt Park history, Bay View Massacre victims, 'Marcella' documentary, Altoid tin art 51:30

1
Wednesday 6/25/25: Outgoing UWM Chancellor, Buc-ee's in Oak Creek, dunes 51:10

1
City electorate shows up big despite frustration with current NYC leadership 15:33

1
Tuesday 6/24/25: Queer self defense class, JustUs and Books, Vel Phillips legacy, Live at Lake Effect 48:30