This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Milwaukee Riverkeeper Cheryl Nenn to discuss Milwaukee’s new membership in the Global Swimmable Cities Alliance and what it means for the city’s future. Nenn explains how years of improving water quality have positioned Milwaukee to join the international movement, while outlining efforts to make local waterways safer and more accessible through projects like additional safety ladders and greener riverfronts. She also shares how residents can play a role in protecting Milwaukee’s rivers and beaches, reinforcing that creating a swimmable city is a community-wide effort. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman explores two stories centered on growth and innovation. First, Tommy Pennington and Kevin Schmoldt, franchise owners of 7 Brew, discuss the drive-thru coffee chain’s expansion across Wisconsin, their community-first approach to site selection, and how new locations can help drive business for surrounding retailers. Later, Thomas Fisher of Platform94 joins the show following Summerfest Tech to discuss helping companies scale internationally, what Milwaukee can learn from its sister city of Galway, Ireland, and what it will take for the region to become an even stronger technology hub. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This month on Marquette on the Move, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun, Rose Howard, and Sarah Pancheri for a conversation about the unique connection between Marquette and Milwaukee. The group explores how the city’s festival culture, volunteer spirit, and sense of community create opportunities for students to engage beyond campus and become active citizens of Milwaukee. They also discuss the impact of mentorship, the value of first jobs and internships, and recent investments supporting Marquette students, including a new endowment honoring former Brewers owner Bud Selig. The episode wraps with Summerfest memories, plans for the summer ahead, and reflections on what makes Milwaukee such a special place to live, learn, and connect. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Tedd Lookatch, managing partner at the ERA Group, for a conversation about business, community, and making smart decisions in a changing economy. They discuss the opportunities and challenges that data center growth presents for Wisconsin businesses, the pressures facing nonprofits, and why Milwaukee’s collaborative culture continues to be one of its greatest strengths. Drawing from Lookatch’s experience as a music reviewer, the conversation also explores the health of Milwaukee’s music scene, the return of the Gobbler Theater in Johnson Creek, and the role local venues play in building community. The episode closes with practical advice on reducing phone costs and getting more value from the technology we use every day. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity CEO Brian Sonderman for a conversation about one of the region’s most pressing challenges: housing. Sonderman explains why housing is fundamentally a public health issue and discusses the collaborative efforts among nonprofits, businesses, developers, and government to expand homeownership opportunities in Milwaukee. He also shares his unique journey from CPA to minister to nonprofit leader, along with insights into Habitat’s work helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. The episode also highlights Habitat’s longstanding partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers, volunteer opportunities throughout the community, and how supporting Habitat ReStores helps local families in need. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Martin Moore of Koss Headphones for another edition of The Future of Almost Everything. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity, leadership, and artificial intelligence, including why human imagination still matters in an AI-powered world and where businesses should draw the line when using generative tools. Jeff and Martin also discuss Milwaukee’s recent recognition as one of America’s most creative cities, the future of consumer technology, and whether original ideas can still thrive in a culture dominated by sequels and remakes. The episode wraps with summer bucket lists, Wisconsin burger talk, and a look at how rising costs are shaping everyday decisions. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Tina Jones, executive director of Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin, for a conversation about confidence, mentorship, and the connection between physical activity and mental well-being. Jones shares how the organization helps girls build resilience through movement, previews the upcoming non-competitive 5K at American Family Field, and reflects on the importance of positive female role models during adolescence. Later, Wisconsin Brewing Company Brewmaster Kirby Nelson joins the show to discuss the legacy of Schlitz, brewing the final batch of the iconic beer in Verona, and how beer culture and preferences continue to evolve across Wisconsin. Jeff closes the episode with a business and career takeaway inspired by The Devil Wears Prada. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

It’s National Nurses Month, and this edition of Marquette on the Move on The Upswing brings together leaders helping shape the future of healthcare and nursing education. WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman is joined by Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun, Children’s Wisconsin CEO Gil Peri, and Madeline Schmidt from Marquette’s College of Nursing for a conversation about workforce demand, mental health, technology, and the human side of patient care. The group highlights the strong partnership between Marquette and Children’s Wisconsin, the growing demand for nurses, and why many students see nursing as both a career and a calling. The episode also explores how innovation and community partnerships are helping healthcare evolve while keeping relationships and compassion at the center. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman sits down with two family-owned food businesses from southeastern Wisconsin — and the similarities in their journeys stand out. First, John and Maria Ranieri of Sheboygan Pasty Company share how they grew their business out of a family bar during the pandemic, built key distribution partnerships, and continue to expand with new products. Then, Hannah and Tami Kopplin of Tots on the Street talk about building a mother-daughter business focused on scratch-made, locally sourced food and growing their reach through partnerships across the region. It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, family, and the power of supporting local. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of downtown. They dive into the nighttime economy, including Water Street, food truck curfews, and efforts to balance safety with a vibrant entertainment district. Bauman also shares updates on housing development, long-term plans for The Hop streetcar, and how policy decisions shape the trajectory of neighborhoods across Milwaukee. Jeff also opens the show with a look at evolving coffee culture — from national brands to local players like Stone Creek Coffee — and closes with a recommendation for an offbeat new Netflix series. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.