Meeting in Middle America with Steven Olikara

Steven Olikara
  • 4.4 (22)
  • POLITICS

Wisconsin and the Midwest are attracting the attention of the coasts in the areas of tech innovation, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and political importance. This new podcast will help tell that story. The show's host, Steven Olikara, is a nationally-recognized political entrepreneur and commentator, Wisconsin native, and founder/CEO of the Millennial Action Project.

  1. 03/05/2021

    #26 - Former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold

    In the latest “Meeting in Middle America” podcast, host Steven Olikara interviews former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, who was appointed the president of the American Constitution Society last year. Their conversation ranges from Feingold’s political history -- including his work with the late U.S. Senator John McCain on campaign finance -- to his current focus on judicial issues with the ACS. They also discuss Feingold’s early days of campaigning in Wisconsin and his role in guiding young leaders through various academic positions. “Meeting in Middle America” is sponsored by the Millennial Action Project.

    34 min

  2. 12/11/2020

    #25 - Author and Activist Mary Lang Sollinger on Respect, Empowerment and Inclusion

    In the latest “Meeting in Middle America” podcast, host Steven Olikara interviews activist and organizer Mary Lang Sollinger, who authored “From Inspiration to Activism: A Personal Journey Through Obama’s Presidential Campaign.” Her book was recently recognized by the Chicago Writers Association’s Book of the Year award in the independent nonfiction category. In this week’s interview, Sollinger highlights some of the most meaningful sections of the book, which documents her experiences fundraising and door-to-door canvassing during the campaign. “Meeting in Middle America” is a collaboration between the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com. Sponsored by WAGET and Bridge & Build.

    52 min

  3. 12/04/2020

    #24 - Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg on Local Government, "HOLY BALLS" and Roller Derby

    In the latest episode of “Meeting in Middle America,” host Steven Olikara interviews Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg, who was elected in April of this year over the incumbent candidate. She discusses how her job has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including local budget issues, and talks about some of the challenges she faces as mayor of a mid-sized city in central Wisconsin. Rosenberg also explains how her background in media and marketing shapes her approach to local government, and shares some life lessons she picked up during her time playing roller derby. “Meeting in Middle America” is a collaboration between the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com. Sponsored by WAGET and Bridge & Build.

    24 min

  4. 11/20/2020

    #23 - Academy Award-winning Screenwriter John Ridley on Representation and Building Bridges

    In the latest episode of “Meeting in Middle America,” host Steven Olikara interviews award-winning screenwriter John Ridley, who won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “12 Years a Slave” in 2014. Ridley is also the owner of No Studios, a collaborative workspace and artistic community based in Milwaukee, where Ridley was born. In their discussion, he and Olikara touch upon the recent election as well as the current state of political discourse in America. They also highlight the importance of art in helping people connect with one another, and Ridley shares his perspective on representation in Hollywood. “Meeting in Middle America” is a collaboration between the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com. Sponsored by WAGET and Bridge & Build.

    46 min

  5. 10/30/2020

    #22 - Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry on Building a Winning Team

    In the latest episode of “Meeting in Middle America,” host Steven Olikara interviews Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry, who discusses his work developing the team over the past four years as well as the rise of the Bucks’ star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lasry also talks about his past work in politics, his path to joining the Bucks’ organization and the team’s more recent involvement in social issues. “Meeting in Middle America” is a collaboration between the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com. Sponsored by WAGET and Bridge & Build.

    32 min

  6. 10/09/2020

    #21 - Attorney General Josh Kaul and former AG JB Van Hollen on Safe Voting

    In the latest episode of “Meeting in Middle America,” host Steven Olikara interviews Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and former Attorney General JB Van Hollen, who recently joined a bipartisan effort aimed at ensuring and promoting safe voting called VoteSafe Wisconsin. Kaul and Van Hollen, who served as the state’s Attorney General from 2007 to 2015, are co-chairs of the organizations, which also includes a number of groups including the Millennial Action Project, the Milwaukee Bucks and We Can Vote. The podcast highlights trends leading up to next month’s presidential election, including a record number of absentee ballots being cast. “Meeting in Middle America” is a collaboration between the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com. Sponsored by WAGET and Bridge & Build.

    27 min

  7. 10/02/2020

    #20 - Husco International President Austin Ramirez on the Future of Midwest Manufacturing

    The latest episode of “Meeting in Middle America” with host Steven Olikara features a discussion with Austin Ramirez, president and CEO of Husco International, a Wisconsin-based company that designs and manufactures automotive components. In this week’s podcast, Ramirez provides an overview on the current state of Midwest manufacturing, as well as where it’s going. He also discusses his views on political reform, highlighting how shifting incentives for elected officials could lead to more productive legislative leadership. “Meeting in Middle America” is a collaboration between the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com. Sponsored by WAGET and Bridge & Build.

    35 min

  8. 09/25/2020

    #19 - Trek Bicycle President John Burke on Saving America

    The latest episode of “Meeting in Middle America” with host Steven Olikara features an interview with John Burke, president of Trek Bicycle. The conversation highlights Burke’s latest book, “Presidential Playbook 2020: 16 Nonpartisan Solutions to Save America.” Burke details some of his top recommendations, focusing on topics including campaign finance, climate change, public unions, legislative leadership and more. “Meeting in Middle America” is a collaboration between the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com. Sponsored by WAGET and Bridge & Build.

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Wisconsin and the Midwest are attracting the attention of the coasts in the areas of tech innovation, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and political importance. This new podcast will help tell that story. The show's host, Steven Olikara, is a nationally-recognized political entrepreneur and commentator, Wisconsin native, and founder/CEO of the Millennial Action Project.

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