Episodes

  • E. 446 | Kathleen Jensen - Founder & Creator, The Little Heart Project
    Jan 10 2025
    "Please be advised that this episode discusses the sensitive topics of suicide and miscarriage.”

    Brent and Amy are joined by Kathleen Jensen, Founder and Creator of The Little Hearts Project. Started in Onalaska, Wisconsin as a way to spread messages of encouragement to those who happen to find a crocheted heart, it was a way for Kathleen to process her life and trauma, and help others dealing with everything from a bad day, a miscarriage, and preventing suicide. The project has grown far beyond its local origins, with hearts being distributed and found in 40 states across the U.S. and even globally. Kathleen shares how the project has impacted people's lives, including preventing a death by suicide. The project is simple to get involved with by crocheting hearts, downloading the messages to attach to each heart, and distributing them wherever you travel. Find out more and get involved at https://www.thelittleheartproject.org/


    Events Mentioned In This Podcast


    1. These Shining Lives - Viterbo University (Jan 31 - Feb 2)
    2. Mini Mosaic Class - artPOP (Feb 13)
    3. Winter Ecology & Wildlife Tracking - Driftless Folk School (Feb 15)
    4. Marriage of Figaro - Weber Center For The Performing Arts (Feb 21-23)
    5. Cold War - Pump House Regional Arts Center (Feb 16)
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    23 mins
  • E. 445 | Tony DiMaggio, Farmer/Entrepreneu
    Dec 5 2024
    In this episode of the La Crosse Local Podcast, the hosts sit down with Tony DiMaggio, the founder of Sacred Blossom Farm. Tony shares the inspiring story of how he built a thriving artisanal herbal tea business from the ground up, despite limited resources. Through his passion for sustainable farming and connection to the local community, Tony has created a unique product that nourishes both the body and the land. By the end of the episode, you will be eager to visit the farm, sample the teas, and experience the community that Tony has cultivated.

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    19 mins
  • E. 444 | Be Wary - Electronic Music Duo
    Nov 20 2024
    The electronic music duo joins Brent and Amy Be Wary, who discuss their origins, musical style, and cartoon inspiration. They explain how their choir and musical theater backgrounds have influenced their emotive and performative vocal delivery and performative live shows. New music is on the horizon, with an upcoming two-sided single produced by the Sweat Boys. Have a listen, get your dance shoes ready, and let the beat take control.
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    17 mins
  • E.443 | Gregg Hall - Musician
    Oct 23 2024
    Our hosts Brent and Amy are joined by musician Greg Hall, where they discuss his recording of his new album in Nashville, working with producer Johnny Garcia, and the community support that made the project possible through a successful Kickstarter campaign. He shares the personal stories behind some of the album's songs, including his journey to sobriety. The conversation also covers Greg's upcoming album release shows and other local events happening in the La Crosse area.
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    23 mins
  • E.442 | Ani DiFranco - Musician/Activist & Dana Flor - Director
    Sep 30 2024
    Ani DiFranco, the renowned feminist folk singer, is the subject of a new documentary directed by Dana Flor, titled 1-800-ON-HER-OWN. The film explores DiFranco's lifelong commitment to activism and the challenges she has faced as a mother, artist, and independent musician. The conversation highlights DiFranco's impact on multiple generations, her use of music for political and social change, and the difficulties of pursuing a non-traditional career path. Director Dana Flor shares how she first met DiFranco, and the trust built between the two to bring a documentary together that shares so much of DiFranco's life that has not been seen before.

    The documentary will be screened in La Crosse on October 7th at the Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria with DiFranco and director Dana Flor in attendance for a Q&A and meet-and-greet. Enjoy this conversation that illuminates the through-line of DiFranco's activism that is as relevant today as it has been since her journey began in the 90's.
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    25 mins
  • E.441 | Grimrose - Rapper & Musician
    Sep 25 2024
    Brent and Amy are joined by Grimrose, a rising La Crosse area musician who blends genres like punk, goth, and trap to create his unique "goth trap" sound. In this interview, they discuss his musical influences, the process behind creating his recent album "Welcome to My Kingdom," and his plans for upcoming projects. As an independent artist producing and recording his own music, Grimrose provides an interesting perspective on the local music scene and collaboration that makes this unique genre break out from the Midwest.
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    14 mins
  • E.440 | Yung Gravy - Rapper & Musician
    Sep 5 2024
    Rapper and musician Yung Gravy sits down and chats with our team while back in his hometown of Rochester, MN, preparing for his show in La Crosse on September 5, 2024. Brent and Amy talk about the origin of the Soundcloud Rapper scene, how the YouTube algorithm influenced his musical taste and influence, and his journey from the Midwest to LA and beyond.
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    16 mins
  • E.439 | Craig Minowa - Cloud Cult - Musician & Composer
    Jul 24 2024
    In this episode of the La Crosse Local Podcast, Brent and Amy sit down with Craig Minowa, a multiple Emmy award-winning composer and singer/songwriter of the band Cloud Cult. The conversation takes us into the places of inspiration and finding the muse of Craig's writing, upcoming releases, new album work, collaborating with the Minnesota Orchestra, and so much more.

    You can catch Cloud Cult performing live on August 9th, 2024, at the People's Fest in Yuba, WI. See all upcoming shows and details on their website, cloudcult.com.
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    21 mins