Best School Lunch Program Podcasts (2024)

1
OTL #928: The future of additional dwelling units in Chicago, Money in the Chicago school board election, Hope for Homes Day 40:10

3h ago40:10

40:10

Mike Stephen learns about Chicago City Council action regarding additional dwelling units from Cityscape Chicago founder and CEO Steven Vance, discusses the money flowing through the upcoming Chicago School Board election with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea, and chats with La Case Norte executive director Jose Munoz about Hope for Homes…

1
A new presidential candidate and a new Jamaican restaurant 55:43

22h ago55:43

55:43

Today, Rob, Omar and Rodlyn talk through the big news that Vice President Kamala Harris is the new Democratic Party candidate for president, what we're hearing around Madison, and what her West Allis rally felt like compared to Joe Biden's recent visits. Then, we visit Artemis Provisions and Cheese in Mt. Horeb, a business we've been following sinc…

1
48 | Drink Water! Why Hydration Is Crucial To Your Health 14:51

2h ago14:51

14:51

On today’s summer short solo episode I’m talking about hydration. Are you a water drinker? Do you drink enough water? Thankfully I love water and I’m never without my water bottle nearby. I can’t imagine NOT drinking water on a consistent basis! But that’s not all that’s important about hydration. You also want to be sure your body is getting enoug…

1
OTL #927: Injustice Watch’s judicial election guide, Revisiting Chicago Rents, The Secret History of Avondale Electric 42:28

5h ago42:28

42:28

Mike Stephen learns about the upcoming judicial election guide from Injustice Watch with senior reporter Carlos Ballesteros, revisits an initiative that provides housing opportunities for Chicagoans, and discovers the Secret History of North Side rockers Avondale Electric.By Mike Stephen

1
How policy & procedure enable racism 50:09

3h ago50:09

50:09

The Village of Shorewood Hills Board of Trustees rejected a resolution to censure trustee Shabnam Lotfi after she called out racial discrimination, but how did it get that far? On the podcast today we talk through this case as an example of how seemingly small policies and procedures can be used as a tool to marginalize people. Plus, what the disco…

1
47 | What Is In Your Food: Navigating Ingredient & Nutrition Labels 19:12

1h ago19:12

19:12

Are you a label reader? Do you read every single label on a product you pick up like me or do you prefer not to know what’s in your foods? I encourage you to go into your pantry and refrigerator and start educating yourself on what’s in the foods that you're eating. You might be completely surprised by what you find! I’m sharing tools that will hel…

1
OTL #926: Remembering the Chicago Race Riot of 1919, Police settlement transparency ordinance, Removing lead pipes in Chicago 44:03

4h ago44:03

44:03

Mike Stephen discusses the significance of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 with Peter Cole, founder and co-director of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project, learns about a proposed ordinance aimed at improving police settlement transparency from Tracy Siska, executive director of the Chicago Justice Project, and gets an update on Chica…

1
Both kinds of football, and a presidential visit 48:04

1d ago48:04

48:04

On the podcast today, Omar recaps his experience at the President's stop in Madison last week and his visit to a practice of the Midwest Warriors, Madison's new amateur football team, which is currently undefeated in its second season in the Northern Lights Football League. Then, we head to Breese Stevens Field to catch up with Forward Madison wing…

1
OTL #925: Local metalpoint art, New music from Joe Di Zillo, The Secret History of Jackie DeShannon 37:53

18d ago37:53

37:53

Mike Stephen chats with local metalpoint artist D. Lammie-Hanson, gets the lowdown on new tunes from Chicago musician Joe Di Zillo, and discovers the Secret History of local singer Jackie DeShannon.By Mike Stephen

1
Teen with disability excluded from UW precollege program 1:04:10

8d ago1:04:10

1:04:10

A 14-year-old student was excluded from a University of Wisconsin precollege program because the university wasn't able to accommodate that student's disability. Today, we hear from the student and their mom. Plus, Rob heads to the Gamma Ray Bar to ask owner Kevin Wilmot II what it takes to open a live venue downtown, what it means to have a Black-…

1
46 | Why Do We Find It So Hard To Get Healthy & Exercise? 19:21

10d ago19:21

19:21

On today’s “Summer Short Solo,” I’m talking about why we have the tendency to want to get healthier, but doing the work to actually get healthier eludes us. But WHY is it so difficult, especially when it comes to something as important as our health and moving our bodies? I’m going to help you break this down and get at the root cause of why so man…

1
OTL #924: The impact of Hope Chicago 38:10

14d ago38:10

38:10

Mike Stephen visits the Hope Chicago Goal Getters 2024 Conference at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Hope Chicago is a scholarship-focused non-profit designed to provide students and their parents/guardians with the support they need to graduate from college debt-free. We learn about the amazing work of this local nonprofit from program manag…

1
Is "hate music" a thing? Yes, and it looks like a Racine cop is into it 42:24

16d ago42:24

42:24

A leaked customer list of a website that sells hate music includes the name of a Racine police officer. On today's podcast, Rob, Omar and Rodlyn-mae talk through what "hate music" is and why a cop listening to it might raise concerns. Plus, Rodlyn-mae introduces us to musician Leslia Damaso, Omar recounts his star turn in a film being shot in Madis…

1
45 | Gym Intimidation: Everyone Was A Beginner Once! Overcoming Your Fear To Conquer Gym-Phobia 14:59

18d ago14:59

14:59

Hey friend! Has being intimidated by the gym kept you from going? Do you feel embarrassed or inadequate and afraid you won’t know where to start? Are you nervous that everyone will be staring at you? Do you fear not knowing how the heck to use the equipment? I hear these comments ALL the time from women, and men too! I want to provide you with some…

1
OTL #923: Tutoring and tech’s impact in schools, The Secret History of Motorhome 39:01

21d ago39:01

39:01

Mike Stephen learns about the latest education research showing the benefits of tutoring combined with educational technology in schools from John Wolf and Monica Bhatt of the University of Chicago Education Lab and then discovers the Secret History of 1990s Chicago fuzzy pop-rockers Motorhome.By Mike Stephen

1
Are hair clippers a weapon? Sun Prairie school admins think so 42:01

23d ago42:01

42:01

Three seventh graders in Sun Prairie were suspended and excluded from the school's year-end celebration because one of them gave another a hair trim -- because the school considered the clippers a weapon. This week, we talk through what we know, how it could have been handled differently, and whether race was a factor. Then, State Assembly Represen…

1
44 | Hilary Boynton - School of Lunch: Food Is Medicine, Gut Health, GAPs Diet, Eating Nutrient-Dense Foods, & Children’s Health 1:12:12

25d ago1:12:12

1:12:12

Today’s guest is quickly going to become your very favorite lunch lady! Hilary is a mother of 5 that healed her own chronic disease through the power of food and nutrition. Hilary also took action and didn’t just sit back and watch as schools fed her kids processed garbage. She said NO MORE and created an affordable, nutrient-dense meal program bas…

1
OTL #922: Illinois’ hands-off approach to homeschooling, The legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks 37:22

28d ago37:22

37:22

Mike Stephen explores the impacts of the lack of homeschooling regulation in Illinois with Capitol News investigative reporters Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker and then discusses the legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks with her daughter and president of Brooks Permissions: Nora Brooks Blakely.By Mike Stephen

1
Baraboo Superintendent Dr. Rainey Briggs speaks out 40:59

30d ago40:59

40:59

Two weeks after an angry parent accosted him on stage at graduation -- and video of the incident went viral worldwide -- Baraboo schools superintendent Dr. Rainey Briggs sits down with our Rob Chappell (14:40) to talk about the moment, the aftermath, and what it means for Baraboo. Plus, we preview this weekend's Big Gay Market (0:45), dig into some…

1
43 | Our Kidney Transplant Journey One Year Later: Tammy’s Miraculous Healing and The New Ending to Her Story 39:28

1M ago39:28

39:28

On today’s episode, I have my lifelong bestie and my kidney recipient, Tammy Turner, back on the podcast with me! She’s live and in-person with me too if you’re watching on YouTube you can see us both. This is such a special time for us because it’s our ONE YEAR KIDNEYVERSARY! I donated my kidney, which Tammy fondly calls Rocky, last year on June 7…

1
OTL #921: How do Chicagoans consume their news?, Plant-based school lunch options, The Secret History of The Pearl Handle Band 47:52

1M ago47:52

47:52

Mike Stephen dives into a new report about how Chicagoans consume and perceive their local news with Tim Franklin, director of the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University, learns about the option for plant-based school lunches in Illinois with Balanced founder Audrey Lawson-Sanchez, and discovers the Secret History of The Pearl Hand…

1
The Baraboo graduation incident: We have takes 1:02:53

2M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Today, we look ahead toward a couple Juneteenth events (01:25), preview a new play at Overture Center (07:50) and get an update (and takes) on the incident at Baraboo High School's graduation (47:17). In the interview segment (18:25), Araceli Esparza and Paquita Purnell join us to talk about the upcoming Yo Quiero Dinero event, featuing the stories…

1
42 | Your Age Is Not Your Cage One Year Anniversary 31:01

1M ago31:01

31:01

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!🥳 Today is the ONE year anniversary of YOUR AGE IS NOT YOUR CAGE PODCAST! I released my very first podcast the same week I donated a kidney!! It was a very BIG week in my life and one I’ll never forget! Thank you to all my amazing guests for spending your precious time with me and sharing your inspirational stories and wisdom that…

1
OTL #920: Why did Bring Chicago Home fail?, Jerry Smith on The Flock reunion 46:46

1M ago46:46

46:46

Mike Stephen talks to Roberta Garner, professor emerita of sociology at DePaul University, about why the Bring Chicago Home initiative failed and then chats with Jerry Smith of The Flock about that band’s upcoming reunion show. Jerry shares some great stories about his time in the music business.By Mike Stephen

1
"Journalistic Blackface," free school lunch, and Assembly candidate Nasra Wehelie 53:42

2M ago53:42

53:42

This week, the team discusses a campaign to get rid of student lunch debt once and for all; the business opportunities available when the NFL Draft comes to Green Bay; and a "journalist" who says he went undercover as a Black man to learn about racism in America. Plus, longtime nonprofit leader, Madison alder and State Assembly candidate Nasra Wehe…

1
41 | Celebrity Chef James Barry & Founder of PLUCK Superfood Seasoning 1:47:07

2M ago1:47:07

1:47:07

We have our first episode with a guy on my podcast!! I’m so excited to introduce you to Chef James Barry. James has spent 20 years in the culinary field where he started his career as a private chef for celebrities such as Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Gerard Butler, Barbra Streisand, and many more. He is also an organ meat expert and the founder of …

1
OTL #919: A local education update, The Secret History of the Drew-Vels 37:12

2M ago37:12

37:12

Mike Stephen welcomes Chalkbeat reporter Reema Amin to discuss the latest on Chicago Public Schools’ position on police officers in schools and how schools are funded and then discovers the Secret History of the 1960s soul group from Evanston: The Drew-Vels.By Mike Stephen

1
Indigenous cuisine and public education 1:05:40

2M ago1:05:40

1:05:40

This week, Wild Bearies founder and Indigenous chef Elena Terry joins us to talk about her time as a guest mentor and judge on Top Chef, and Maia Pearson stops by the studio to talk about her run for State Assembly. Plus, a new study explores gender-based violence in Asian American communities, a County Board race in Rock County goes to court, and …

1
40 | Cheering Women On: Let’s Be Cheerleaders Instead of Seeing Each Other as a Threat 25:53

2M ago25:53

25:53

Have you found yourself in this place? Do you think you’re more of a cheerleader or do you tend to think of women as a threat especially if they’re in the same field of work as you? I think this is where the saying “with age comes wisdom” is really appropriate for me. God has definitely done a good work in me on this one. It’s not always easy to ad…

1
OTL #918: A failure of local government, Simon’s Tavern turns 90, New local music from Brett Ratner 37:32

2M ago37:32

37:32

Mike Stephen learns how the Chicago Housing Authority allows for nefarious deeds on some of its vacant properties from Block Club Chicago investigative editor and reporter Mick Dumke, celebrates 90 years of Andersonville’s Simon’s Tavern, and chats with local musician Brett Ratner about his new instrumental rock.…

1
Denny Love goes to Kingstown 47:38

2M ago47:38

47:38

This week, we get an update on the deal that ended the UW encampments, and a scathing Faculty Senate resolution critical of Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin that'll be up for a vote Monday. Plus, a fundraiser is looking to help elderly renters struggling with rent increases. Then, Madison native and "Looking for Alaska" star Denny Love joins us to talk …

1
39 | Women Actively & Powerfully Aging: It’s not over, you’re not too old, & it’s not too late! 34:21

2M ago34:21

34:21

Ladies (and men), it’s time to get back in the game!! I donated a kidney less than a year ago so if I can do it, YOU can do it too! Seriously, there is so much complaining in the world about aging and how we feel as we age. It’s become normal to just complain that this is just what happens as you get older so you might as well learn to live with it…

1
OTL #917: The Takeout 25 Effect, Chicago Truck Data Portal, The Secret History of Charlie Schmidt 48:07

2M ago48:07

48:07

Mike Stephen learns about a new book about the impact of the local nonprofit Takeout 25 called The Takeout 25 Effect: Mobilizing for Positive Change with author Ravi Parakkat, explores a project mapping high concentration of truck traffic in Chicago called the Chicago Truck Data Portal with Jose Acosta Cordova of the Little Village Environmental Ju…

1
A breakdown in negotiations at UW & revelations about the school shooter 42:27

2M ago42:27

42:27

This week, Omar and Rodlyn-mae get us up to speed on the latest developments at the protest encampment on the University of Wisconsin campus, and Rob and Stephanie give us some updates on what we've learned about the student who brought a gun and attempted to break into Mt. Horeb Middle School last week. Plus, we've got a date for this year's 365 L…

1
38 | Breast Cancer Survivor Kelly Kohn: Her Health & Fitness Journey, Winning the Battle Against Breast Cancer, and Her Passion to Pursue Her Dreams & Help Other Women 42:17

2M ago42:17

42:17

Today I’m chatting with Kelly Kohn. I discovered Kelly recently on Instagram from a post on Women Who Lift Weights and I was intrigued immediately by her story and her bubbly, encouraging personality and her daily motivational fitness reels on her IG page. Kelly is a mom to 3 boys, struggled with weight and exercise for years and then finally was a…

1
OTL #916: Should Chicago lower its speed limit?, Is Mayor Johnson incompetent or inexperienced?, Revisiting Chicago as a cycling city 39:10

2M ago39:10

39:10

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of Chicago lowering its speed limit with Active Transportation Alliance managing director of advocacy Jim Merrell, explores the debate around Mayor Johnson’s possible incompetence or inexperience with Chicago Magazine contributing editor Ted McClelland, and revisits the topic of Chicago’s bikeability.…

1
Student protests & school shootings 47:49

3M ago47:49

47:49

Gabriella Hartlaub from The Daily Cardinal has been covering the protests, encampment and police response on the UW campus, along with our own Omar Waheed and Rodlyn-mae Banting. Today we hear firsthand about their experience and what they saw on the ground. Plus, this week’s school shooting in Mount Horeb touched the 365 family directly, and we ta…

1
37 | Perimenopause & Menopause: Equipping Women to Change the Narrative and Believe You Can Feel Good Again! 27:01

2M ago27:01

27:01

We’re going to cover the action steps you can take to walk through this perimenopause/menopause journey with the tools you need to embrace the changes in your body. This can be a beautiful next step in your season of life if we equip ourselves and embrace it instead of dreading it. It doesn’t have to be awful if we’re equipped and empowered with th…

1
OTL #915: Unpacking Chicago’s community map, The West Side Spring Book Fair, The Secret History of Plastics Hi-Fi 42:23

3M ago42:23

42:23

Mike Stephen learns about the significance of Chicago’s community map from and explores the possibility of updating it with Emily Talen, professor of urbanism and director of the Urbanism Lab at the University of Chicago, discusses the importance of literacy on the West Side of the city with founder of The Queen Within, Bridgett McGill, and discove…

1
“Crazy ideas go far.” Plus, State Rep Jimmy Anderson 41:06

3M ago41:06

41:06

This week, more community leaders are calling for Alder Charles Myadze to resign from the Madison Common Council, Black Student Unions from across Dane County came together last week, Centro Hispano is opening its new building, and Rob went to Appleton to catch the eighth annual Fox Connect student pitch competition. Plus, Rep. Jimmy Anderson joins…

1
Paquet Family Farm: Homesteading & Returning to The Simple Things in Life 57:46

3M ago57:46

57:46

Today, I’m chatting with a very special guest and she’s also family! My cousin Abby Paquet is joining me today to share about her family’s life and the changes they’ve made over the last few years to get back to a simpler way of life. Abby is a mom to two beautiful boys, wife to her high school sweetheart, registered nurse, photographer, Believer, …

1
OTL #914: Women Employed fighting for workplace equity, Arionne Nettles’ new book on Black culture in Chicago 39:03

3M ago39:03

39:03

Mike Stephen discusses the gender pay gap and efforts to combat it with Ibie Hart, director of business development at Women Employed, and then chats with local journalist Arionne Nettles about her new book entitled We Are the Culture: Black Chicago's Influence on Everything.By Mike Stephen

1
What’s next for the Madison Common Council? Plus, Assembly Candidate Yee Leng Xiong 48:10

3M ago48:10

48:10

The Madison Common Council met Tuesday for the first time since we reported allegations of domestic abuse against one of its members – allegations he has repeatedly denied. This week, we have a recap of that meeting, which included some contentious discussion of a resolution of support for survivors of domestic abuse. We also get updates on the nex…

1
Carla’s Convos: Daily Routines for Healthy Habits & Consistent Rhythms 17:12

3M ago17:12

17:12

Today on Carla’s Convos we talk about how we start and end each day and why it’s so important. Being intentional with creating these daily habits will get easier and easier as you keep doing them. Consistency! Just don’t give up! If you miss anything, don’t beat yourself up. Just move on and start fresh! Before you know it, you’ll have created heal…

1
OTL #913: Unsafe water in Illinois prisons, The work of the Uptown People's Law Center, The Secret History of E. Parker McDougal 37:46

3M ago37:46

37:46

Mike Stephen learns about the deteriorating conditions inside Illinois prisons from Alan Mills, executive director of the Uptown People's Law Center, and then discovers the Secret History of Chicago tenor sax player E. Parker McDougal.By Mike Stephen

1
Does sin cause homelessness? Plus, the Black Brilliance Gala 30:12

4M ago30:12

30:12

On today’s edition, we round up a few stories from the week: the state files a lawsuit against an employer accused of firing employees when they organized; a Madisonian is a finalist for a Hugo Award; and a County Board supervisor says “sin is the root cause” of homelessness. Then, we visit the headquarters of Urban Triage, where founder and CEO Br…

1
Liz Haselmayer: Homegrown Education | Foundations of Homesteading and Nourished Families 1:01:42

3M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

My listeners asked so I’m delivering! I’ve had so many questions about homesteading and getting back to the basics after my February 28th episode on “Getting Back to a Traditional Way of Life | Homesteading State of Mind". So today I had the privilege of chatting with Liz Haselmayer. Liz is a homeschooling mother to three daughters and the creator …

1
OTL #912: Paid Chicago school board members?, HelloBaby’s great work, Mark Lofgren’s new music 42:10

3M ago42:10

42:10

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of paying Chicago school board members with Becky Vevea, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Chicago, learns about the important work of HelloBaby on the South Side from founder and executive director Debbie Frisch, and chats with local musician Mark Lofgren about his new album.…

1
UW’s Multicultural Student Center celebrates 35 years 43:13

4M ago43:13

43:13

University of Wisconsin Multicultural Student Center director Claudia Guzman joins the show to help us celebrate the 35th anniversary of the MSC’s beginning within the Wisconsin Union. She also has an announcement – the Wisconsin Union and MSC teamed up to create a special limited edition Mini Terrace Chair – a tiny version of the iconic furniture …

1
START With ONE - A Simple Approach to Upgrade Your Health: Mind, Body, & Spirit with Kathleen Klug 1:02:17

4M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

On today’s episode, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Kathleen Klug about holistic, integrated health and wellness. Kathleen is a 40-year veteran in the profession of Fitness, Health, & Wellness, and currently serves as an IIN Holistic Health Coach, a Health Educator at Kaiser Permanente, and a Speaker. She is also the creator of STAR…

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