Lean Local

This episode dives into the impactful work of Aspiro, a Wisconsin disability service provider led by Ryan Ruzziconi. Celebrating nearly 70 years, Aspiro champions independence and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities from birth through adulthood. Their mantra, ‘Live Your Way,’ embodies their mission to empower clients with choice, connection, and dignity. The discussion explores Aspiro’s […]

Sun Jul 5, 2026

44:01

In this episode of Lean Local, Jim Schmitt talks with Andrea Fanta, owner of Soul Purpose at Bay Park Square and founder of the Mommy AF community. Andrea shares how an online support group for moms grew into a broader network for connection, collaboration, and small business support. The conversation looks at what it really […]

Guest: Andrea Fanta

Sun Jun 7, 2026

44:00

Jim Schmitt talks with longtime local journalist Connie Fellman about how Green Bay has changed over time, including local media, downtown growth, education, culture, regional identity, the NFL Draft, and what a thriving Green Bay could look like over the next decade.

Guest: Connie Fellman

Sun May 17, 2026

44:00

In this episode of Lean Local, Jim Schmitt sits down with Brian Johnson, director of On Broadway and former Green Bay City Council president, to examine how Green Bay has changed over the last decade and what still needs to improve. They discuss downtown development, housing demand, brownfields versus greenfields, permitting friction, truck traffic on […]

Sun May 10, 2026

44:01

Jennifer Grant joins Jim Schmitt to talk about what residents in Green Bay’s District 1 are actually asking for: smarter development, tax restraint, better infrastructure, and more responsive city government. They cover reassessment-driven tax pressure, fire and police facility needs, homelessness and mental health service gaps, affordable housing, the push for more single-family homes, and […]

Guest: Jennifer Grant

Sun Apr 26, 2026

43:59

This week, Jim talks with Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director of Downtown Green Bay. Dive into the heart of community issues with ‘Lean Local,’ hosted by former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt. This refreshing political and issues program bypasses traditional left-versus-right rhetoric. Instead, it ‘leans local’ with insightful discussions and grassroots solutions, focusing on what truly […]

Guest: Jeff Mirkes

Sun Apr 12, 2026

44:00

Here on Lean Local, we are always looking for new ways our listeners can get involved with the community. President and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation Dennis Buehler joins Jim to talk about how we can all pitch in to make Green Bay a better place. Learn more about the Greater Green […]

Guest: Dennis Buehler

Sun Feb 22, 2026

42:41

Today is just two days before Green Bay’s nonpartisan primary election, so Jim Schmitt brings in a few more candidates to share their stories: Pete Borchardt, candidate for County Supervisor, District 10 Ben DeBaker, candidate for Alderperson, District 9 Sly Chou, candidate for Alderperson, District 9 John Schultz, candidate for County Supervisor, District 10 Head […]

Guests: Pete Borchardt, Ben DeBaker, Sly Chou, John Schultz

Sun Feb 15, 2026

0:00

Coming up on Tuesday, February 17th is a very important primary election for the city of Green Bay. For information about what’s on the ballot and where your polling place is, go to myvote.wi.gov. On this Super Bowl Sunday, former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt interviews several more candidates running in these nonpartisan races: Michael […]

Guests: Rachel Maes, Tarl Knight, Michael Brezinski, William Swisher

Sun Feb 8, 2026

0:00

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt hosts a conversation that hits especially close to home. District 4, where Jim lives, sits at the heart of downtown Green Bay—an area where local decisions directly impact small businesses, neighborhood vitality, and the city’s future. With the primary approaching, the show brings together all three candidates running […]

Guests: Jon Shelton, Jessica Radunzel, Douglas Cayer

Sun Feb 1, 2026

43:59