PozCast: The Positively Milwaukee Podcast with Shannon Sims

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Remarkable individuals. Inspiring stories. Candid conversations. These are the people building a better Milwaukee for all of us. Now, hear their stories, in their own words. Everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

  1. 11/06/2025

    #23: Karen Schlindwein, Chosen Inc. of Wisconsin, Board President

    PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims. PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

    12 min

  2. 10/27/2025

    #22: Wisconsin Community Services transforms lives in Milwaukee

    PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims. PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee. Have you ever driven past a building and wondered what happens inside? That's exactly how Positively Milwaukee host Shannon Sims felt about the Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) building on Wisconsin Avenue—until she sat down with CEO Clarence Johnson. This 113-year-old organization quietly serves 17,000 people annually across 60 programs with nearly 600 staff members. Founded in 1912 as the Society for the Friendless to help incarcerated individuals re-enter society, WCS has evolved into a comprehensive provider addressing the deep connection between behavioral health and justice involvement. Their work spans youth residential programs like the Bakari Center, foster care services, mental health support, and re-entry programs. The most inspiring part? WCS believes in the power of lived experience. Johnson shared the story of a Joshua Glover Center resident who spoke at a board meeting—and was hired two years later. Today, nearly a decade later, he's still empowering others as a peer specialist. "What keeps me coming back every day is being inspired by the people doing the work and watching them have a positive impact on children, adults, and families," Johnson explains. WCS represents Milwaukee at its best: neighbors lifting up neighbors, second chances becoming success stories, and quiet giants creating extraordinary change. Learn more about WCS here.

    13 min

  3. 09/25/2025

    #21: Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson's vision for MyPath

    Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson brings two decades of disability services experience to her new role as CEO of MyPath Companies, celebrating 40 years of service. In the latest Positively Milwaukee PozCast with Shannon Sims, Wilson shared her inspiring leadership journey and vision for the future. MyPath serves approximately 2,000 individuals with significant disabilities and mental health challenges across multiple states through specialized education, residential care, and community support services. "We don't believe that people have disabilities," Wilson explained. "We believe that there's some level of ability in everyone.” Wilson's path to leadership began early. Her HBCU education at Benedict College and Clark Atlanta University built confidence to compete "with the very best." After 20 years with organizations like Goodwill, she joined MyPath's board before becoming CEO. Her book "You Can Lead" encourages others to recognize their leadership potential, inspired by young people who told her they'd never seen leaders who looked like them. Learn more about the services MyPath provides here. https://www.mypathcompanies.com

    17 min

  4. 09/09/2025

    #20: Ben Jarvis's courageous journey as a veteran struggling with mental health

    Episode 20:  Ben Jarvis's Courageous Journey Last November, we had the privilege of celebrating Ben Jarvis as he was recognized as the 2024 TMJ4 Positively Milwaukee Inspiring Veteran. During that initial feature, we highlighted his remarkable accomplishments and tireless volunteer work advocating for veteran mental health and suicide prevention—causes that have become central to his life's mission. Now, Ben returns to the TMJ4 studios for Episode 20 of the Positively Milwaukee PozCast, bringing with him an even more personal and powerful story. This time, he's not just speaking as an advocate for other veterans—he's sharing his own raw, unfiltered journey of struggle and ultimate victory over the demons that nearly claimed his life. PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims. PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee. 2024 Positively Milwaukee Awards: https://youtu.be/soRr4pWJ8m4?si=AbZIA9DaWE0-WnYC Inspiring Veteran of the Year - 2024 [Extended Cut]: https://youtu.be/qOSZpUccT74?si=8DoHh-cunRcG2I70

    29 min

  5. 07/15/2025

    #19: Lynda K. Welsh, President and CEO of SHARP Literacy

    PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims. PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee. Episode 19: What happens when you combine 25 years of educational innovation with a leader who refuses to let any child fall behind? You get SHARP Literacy—and their incredible story unfolds in the newest Positively Milwaukee episode. Host Shannon Sims welcomes SHARP Literacy President and CEO Lynda K. Welsh for a fascinating conversation about how this Milwaukee nonprofit is changing the game for students who need it most. Welsh doesn't just talk about educational equity—she's living it, ensuring that public, charter, and choice schools receive cutting-edge STEAM programming absolutely free. The transformation has been remarkable. What started as a literacy-focused organization has evolved into a comprehensive STEAM powerhouse, responding to what Welsh saw as a critical need: preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce. The results speak for themselves—students are developing creativity, sharpening critical thinking skills, and discovering new passions through hands-on learning experiences. Listen to how SHARP Literacy continues to brighten children's futures through experiential learning that makes education both engaging and relevant.

    20 min

  6. 07/02/2025

    #18: Mark Shapiro, Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center

    PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims. PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee. Episode 18: A Conversation with Mark Shapiro of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center In the latest episode of Positively Milwaukee Pozcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. Our conversation revealed not just a dedicated community leader, but a man whose personal journey through health challenges has deepened his understanding of authentic leadership. Personal Challenges, Professional Growth One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centered on Mark's recent health challenges during his tenure as CEO. With remarkable openness, he spoke about how facing personal adversity has influenced his leadership approach and deepened his empathy for others going through difficult times. These experiences have shaped his philosophy that authentic leadership requires vulnerability and genuine connection with the people you serve. It's a perspective that has clearly resonated throughout the JCC community and beyond. Building Community Impact Under Mark's leadership, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center has become more than just a community center—it's a hub for wellness, education, and cultural connection that serves people from all backgrounds across Milwaukee. Looking Forward As our conversation wrapped up, Mark's optimism for the future was infectious. Despite the challenges he's faced personally and professionally, his commitment to the JCC's mission and to the Milwaukee community remains unwavering. His story serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership isn't about avoiding difficulties—it's about how we grow through them and use those experiences to better serve others.

    18 min

  7. 06/19/2025

    #17: Nkenge Adams, the visionary founder of Nkenge's Gallery

    PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims. PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee. Episode 17: From Unexpected Gift to Cultural Innovator: Our Inspiring Conversation with Nkenge Adams What happens when an unexpected gift completely transforms your life's trajectory? That's exactly what we explored in the recent Positively Milwaukee PozCast episode with Nkenge Adams, the visionary founder of Nkenge's Gallery. A Journey of Self-Discovery Nkenge's story is one of those beautiful examples of how life's surprises can lead us to our true calling. During our conversation, she opened up about how a single unexpected gift became the catalyst for a profound journey of self-discovery. What started as a simple ask evolved into something much deeper - a path that would eventually make her a keeper of cultural artifacts and a bridge between traditional African artistry and modern innovation. The Power of Cultural Stewardship One of the most moving parts of our conversation was when Nkenge talked about being a cultural steward. It's not just about displaying beautiful art - it's about honoring the traditions, stories, and people they represent. Her approach to cultural stewardship goes beyond preservation. Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, she's creating meaningful connections between people, fostering community, and celebrating our shared human experience.

    14 min

  8. 06/05/2025

    #16: Dr. Anna Gaddy, Medical College of Wisconsin

    In this episode of the PozCast, host Shannon Sims introduces Dr. Anna Gaddy, a nephrologist from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She's not just a chronic kidney disease specialist, but also a life-saving kidney donor. After witnessing the devastating impact of kidney failure, Dr. Gaddy took a bold step in January 2024, donating her kidney and saving a life. Today, she continues to champion live organ donation, advocating for its potential to improve health outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Gaddy will share her inspiring journey to organ donation and discuss the local efforts to combat chronic kidney disease.

    14 min
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Remarkable individuals. Inspiring stories. Candid conversations. These are the people building a better Milwaukee for all of us. Now, hear their stories, in their own words. Everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.

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