Lean Local

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: Brian Johnson, Jeff Mirkes

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

In Green Bay, 67% of local elections run unopposed. A statistic that raises real questions about civic engagement and accountability. When candidates stop competing, ideas stop competing too. This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt brings together two voices who know the election process inside and out: Pat Moynihan from the Brown County Clerk’s Office and […]

Guests: Celestine Jeffreys, Pat Moynihan

Sun Dec 7, 2025

44:19

In this episode of Lean Local, hosted by former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, the focus is on local issues including a new project designed to combat homelessness. Schmidt interviews Terri Refsguard, CEO of the new Community Shelter in Green Bay, who discusses their recent groundbreaking for 41 supportive housing apartments aimed at providing permanent […]

Guest: Terri Refsguard

Sun Nov 23, 2025

44:02

Jim Schmitt welcomes John Woodhead of Woodhead Insurance to unpack what open enrollment really means for families in Green Bay. John explains how the Affordable Care Act bases financial assistance on income—the lower your income, the cheaper your plan becomes—but notes those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. The conversation also looks at why medical bills are […]

Guest: John Woodhead

Sun Nov 16, 2025

44:02

Every day, around 170,000 people die worldwide and most families are left making emotional, high-pressure decisions in their hardest moments. This week on Lean Local with Jim Schmitt, guests Alyssa Nelson and Dana Schmitt from Newcomer Funeral Home join the show to discuss the value of funeral pre-planning—and how it gives people the opportunity to craft a meaningful, memorable farewell for those they love. From […]

Sun Nov 9, 2025

44:02

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt sits down with Mark Murphy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, for a conversation that bridges football, leadership, and community. The two share a long history of collaboration, and that connection sets the tone early in the interview. “We got a lot done together,” Jim recalls […]

Guest: Mark Murphy

Sun Nov 2, 2025

44:20

This week on Lean Local with Jim Schmitt, the focus turns to local news in Green Bay — where it’s thriving, where it’s fading, and why it matters. Jim is joined by Mike Hollihan of the Press Times and Connie Fellman with Civic Media. They discuss how national headlines have replaced community coverage, leaving many […]

Guests: Connie Fellman, Mike Hollihan

Sun Oct 26, 2025

44:02