Lean Local

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: Pat Moynihan, Celestine Jeffreys

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: Mike Hollihan, Connie Fellman

Sun Oct 26, 2025

44:02

This week on Lean Local with Jim Schmitt, Congressman Tony Wied joins the conversation to discuss what’s happening in Washington and how it affects Northeast Wisconsin. From the ongoing government shutdown to his work on the Agriculture Committee, Wied explains where things stand and what comes next for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. He shares what […]

Guest: Tony Wied

Sun Oct 19, 2025

44:05

Former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt welcomes a conversations with Students, Parents, Police, and School Board Members to talk School Safety.

Sun Oct 12, 2025

44:03

In this episode of Lean Local, host and former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt focuses on local issues and initiatives in Greater Green Bay. He discusses past episodes covering the impact of volunteers and addresses local challenges such as improving reading proficiency and mental health awareness. The featured guest, Laurie Radke, outgoing president of the […]

Guest: Laurie Radke

Sun Oct 5, 2025

44:02

In this episode of Lean Local, hosted by former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, the focus is on the importance of volunteerism in building stronger communities. Schmitt introduces Matt Horner, Executive Director of the Green Bay Volunteer Center, who discusses the mission of the center to support local nonprofit partners by coordinating volunteers. The segment […]

Guest: Matt Horner

Sun Sep 28, 2025

44:02