Lean Local

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

Jim Schmitt welcomes Jessica Adams from Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit investigative journalism organization based here in Wisconsin. Jessica shares how Wisconsin Watch operates differently from traditional newsrooms. Rather than focusing on daily breaking news, the organization works to provide in-depth, missing coverage that often doesn’t find space in larger media networks. Funded through independent investment, […]

Guest: Jessica Adams

Sun Jan 25, 2026

44:05

Jim Schmitt sits down with Mark Becker for a casual, wide-ranging conversation about work, politics, and the paths people take to create change. The discussion covers what each of them is focused on professionally, the issues they care most about in politics, and how they think progress actually happens—on the ground, over time, and through sustained effort. […]

Guest: Mark Becker

Sun Jan 18, 2026

44:02

This week on Lean Local, the conversation focuses on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—the nonprofit organizations formed in the late 1990s that help shape some of Green Bay’s most active commercial areas. The show first welcomes Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director of Downtown Green Bay, Inc., followed by Brian Johnson from On Broadway across the Fox River. Together, they discuss what BID districts are, how […]

Guests: Jeff Mirkes, Brian Johnson

Sun Jan 11, 2026

44:02

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt welcomes Ken and Lauren Dombrowski from Love Your Life Hypnosis for a conversation about stress, habits, and what it really takes to make lasting change. Ken shares how his life took an unexpected turn after years as a successful general contractor, when illness led him to search across the […]

Guest: Ken and Lauren Dombrowski

Sun Jan 4, 2026

44:02

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt is joined by Rod Goldhahn, Secretary of the Brown County Taxpayers Association, to discuss local taxes, government spending, and citizen involvement. Rod explains the association’s role in educating residents about public finances and encouraging participation in local government—especially as many local races continue to run unopposed. The conversation also examines rising […]

Guest: Rod Goldhahn

Sun Dec 28, 2025

44:02

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt welcomes Mayor Eric Genrich for a citywide checkup covering some of Green Bay’s biggest ongoing stories. The discussion begins with election season, as 109 local positions are now open for candidates. The mayor and Jim review what it takes to get on the ballot and why so many […]

Guest: Eric Genrich

Sun Dec 14, 2025

43:42