The Upswing Pops Out of the Trees

Hire a Damn Artist: The Future of Creativity

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Martin Moore of Koss Headphones for another edition of The Future of Almost Everything. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity, leadership, and artificial intelligence, including why human imagination still matters in an AI-powered world and where businesses should draw the line when using generative tools. Jeff and Martin also discuss Milwaukee’s recent recognition as one of America’s most creative cities, the future of consumer technology, and whether original ideas can still thrive in a culture dominated by sequels and remakes. The episode wraps with summer bucket lists, Wisconsin burger talk, and a look at how rising costs are shaping everyday decisions. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

Confidence, Community and the Next Generation

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Tina Jones, executive director of Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin, for a conversation about confidence, mentorship, and the connection between physical activity and mental well-being. Jones shares how the organization helps girls build resilience through movement, previews the upcoming non-competitive 5K at American Family Field, and reflects on the importance of positive female role models during adolescence. Later, Wisconsin Brewing Company Brewmaster Kirby Nelson joins the show to discuss the legacy of Schlitz, brewing the final batch of the iconic beer in Verona, and how beer culture and preferences continue to evolve across Wisconsin. Jeff closes the episode with a business and career takeaway inspired by The Devil Wears Prada. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

The Upswing celebrates National Nurses Month

It’s National Nurses Month, and this edition of Marquette on the Move on The Upswing brings together leaders helping shape the future of healthcare and nursing education. WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman is joined by Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun, Children’s Wisconsin CEO Gil Peri, and Madeline Schmidt from Marquette’s College of Nursing for a conversation about workforce demand, mental health, technology, and the human side of patient care. The group highlights the strong partnership between Marquette and Children’s Wisconsin, the growing demand for nurses, and why many students see nursing as both a career and a calling. The episode also explores how innovation and community partnerships are helping healthcare evolve while keeping relationships and compassion at the center. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

The Upswing: Local Food, Family Business, and a Lot in Common

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman sits down with two family-owned food businesses from southeastern Wisconsin — and the similarities in their journeys stand out. First, John and Maria Ranieri of Sheboygan Pasty Company share how they grew their business out of a family bar during the pandemic, built key distribution partnerships, and continue to expand with new products. Then, Hannah and Tami Kopplin of Tots on the Street talk about building a mother-daughter business focused on scratch-made, locally sourced food and growing their reach through partnerships across the region. It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, family, and the power of supporting local. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

The uncertainty of downtown's nighttime economy

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of downtown. They dive into the nighttime economy, including Water Street, food truck curfews, and efforts to balance safety with a vibrant entertainment district. Bauman also shares updates on housing development, long-term plans for The Hop streetcar, and how policy decisions shape the trajectory of neighborhoods across Milwaukee. Jeff also opens the show with a look at evolving coffee culture — from national brands to local players like Stone Creek Coffee — and closes with a recommendation for an offbeat new Netflix series. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.