Episodes

Get to know Jason Rippl. In this episode Jason Rippl, a lifelong Winnebago County resident and veteran law enforcement officer, engages in a wide-ranging conversation about community service and local life. The discussion opens with lighthearted banter regarding local sports and family ties before transitioning into Rippl's extensive public service background, highlighting his decades with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and his work on volunteer fire and dive rescue teams. Throughout the...

Get to know Jordan Ollech, This episode of THE KOSH features Jordan Ollech, the founder of Unseen Abilities, a specialized therapy program for neurodivergent children in Wisconsin’s Fox Cities region. The conversation highlights Jordan’s personal journey of overcoming significant health setbacks and surgeries, which inspired her core philosophy of "holding life with open hands"—a practice of releasing control and trusting a higher purpose during hardship. Beyond her personal narrative, Ollech...

Get to know Darin Rice, candidate for Winnebago County Sheriff, in this in-depth conversation.

In this episode of THE KOSH, we interview Laurice Snyder, certified birth doula.

This episode features an interview with Christian Blanton, Neenah School Board member.

Get to know Kaci Chalfant, a Fox Cities resident, in this conversation about faith and family.

Rick Crosson, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and U.S. House candidate, joins THE KOSH.

Get to know Vicki Updike, founder and CEO of New Sage Strategies, in this episode.

Get to know Teri Rose This podcast episode features Teri Rose, an Oshkosh resident and author who discusses her journey in literature and education. As a school door monitor, Teri was inspired by the need for representation and inclusivity to write her children's book, Adventures with Sam and Saint: Holiday Celebrations. The text highlights her creative mission to provide a multicultural introduction to global traditions through interactive characters that students of all backgrounds can colo...

Get to know Spencer Jones. This podcast features Spencer Jones, a former music educator turned entrepreneur and mindset coach based in Wisconsin’s Fox Cities region. The conversation transitions from lighthearted banter about local weather and Jones’s unique background in middle school teaching and kayak fishing to a deep exploration of professional burnout and the "internal operating system." Jones details his personal journey through a "rock bottom" mental health crisis, which inspired his ...

Get to know Micah Troedel. In this episode Micah Troedel, an insightful high school senior and president of the Black Student Union at Oshkosh West, talk about lighthearted topics like Troedel’s athletic pursuits and his love for English literature to a profound exploration of the literacy crisis affecting local youth. Troedel emphasizes that improving reading skills requires a community-wide effort, cultural shift, and increased representation in education so that students see themselves in ...

Get to know Mahima Grover. In this episode meet Mahima Grover, an Indian immigrant and entrepreneur in the Fox Cities who owns the M-Effect yoga and dance studio. The conversation explores Grover's diverse professional evolution from a corporate trainer and pharmacist in India to a community leader focused on holistic wellness through traditional practices. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to Grover’s philosophical breakdown of yoga and meditation, where she distinguishes betwee...

Get to know Dr. Manohar Singh In this episode of "The Kosh" podcast, Chancellor Manohar Singh of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, a leader who blends academic stewardship with a profound spiritual heritage. Chancellor Singh shares about his personal history as the youngest of seven brothers in India to his philosophical views on the limitlessness of human potential and the necessity of sovereignty and humility. Dr. Singh explores the transformative power of education, sharing that universit...

Get to know Alec LefeberThis episode of THE KOSH features Alec Lefeber, a multifaceted community leader and AI professional who provides a deep dive into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and local civic engagement. Alec explains his career in technology, where he translates complex technical concepts into accessible business tools, while also sharing his personal journey of moving to Denver and eventually returning to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to "plant roots." As a candidate for City...

Get to know Kimberly Barrett, Ph.D. This episode of THE KOSH features Dr. Kimberly Barrett, a retired higher education executive and author who discusses her career in higher ed, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) , and her recently published memoir, Rethinking Race. Throughout the conversation, Kimberly reflects on the social construction of race, a realization sparked by her personal experience raising a biracial, multiethnic son whose physical appearance challenged her own preconceived n...

Get to know Megan Mulholland. In this episode Megan Mulholland, a communications expert and entrepreneur who specializes in crisis management and strategic storytelling, shares her professional evolution from journalism to high-level public relations, emphasizing the critical need for proactive incident command systems and authentic transparency within businesses and local government. Beyond her career, the conversation explores her personal values of loyalty, empathy, and adventure, highlighte...

Get to know Ryne Lodl. In this episode, Ryne Lodl, Vice President of Sales at Encompass Security, discusses the critical importance of cybersecurity awareness for both businesses and individuals. He explains the technical complexities behind data breaches, noting the significant delay between an incident occurring and public notification due to the lengthy forensic analysis required. Lodl emphasizes that most security failures stem from human error, such as phishing or social engineering, and h...

Get to know Sierra Burchby. This episode of The Kosh highlights Sierra Burchby, a prolific thirteen-year-old student and author from the Fox Cities region. The conversation shares Sierra’s impressive literary journey, during which she has already published four books ranging from Minecraft-themed fiction to young adult supernatural thrillers. Beyond her writing, Sierra discusses her aspirations for medical school, her passion for equestrian sports, and her commitment to volunteering at a snak...

Get to know Michael Patton. In this episode, Michael Patton—co-founder and director of the Cyber Security Center of Excellence at UW Oshkosh—explores the critical intersection of human behavior and digital safety. Patton argues that effective protection requires more than just software; it requires an understanding of social engineering and the psychological motivations behind cybercrime. Beyond his technical expertise, Patton discusses his deep community roots as a university educator and...

Get to know Sandy Drexler.In this episode of "The Kosh" podcast, Sandy Drexler, the Executive Director of Tri County Dental Clinic, discusses the vital connection between oral health and overall physical well-being. Drexler details her professional journey from English major to nonprofit leader, emphasizing her commitment to community service and the clinic’s mission to provide free care to low-income veterans and children. The conversation highlights the "long game" of dental hygiene, advocatin...

Get to know Liz Cannon, Ph.D & Amney Castaneda, Ph.D. This podcast episode features Dr. Liz Cannon and Dr. Amney Castaneda, the founders of Somewhere Over the Moon Trainings. They discuss their career-long dedication to LGBTQ+ advocacy and education. The conversation explores the shifting landscape of higher education and social justice, highlighting how storytelling serves as a vital tool for fostering human connection and empathy. Through their business, the guests provide specialized train...

Get to know Kara McCanna If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email askthekosh@gmail.com.