Introducing CONNECTIONS - Media Edition, a podcast from the downtown Rotary Club of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Press Club that explores how local journalists and media organizations are adapting to today's rapidly changing media landscape. Through conversations with reporters, editors, and community leaders, the show examines how newsrooms are covering Milwaukee's neighborhoods, building trust with residents, and addressing issues impacting local communities. Each episode offers an inside look at the challenges, innovations, and civic importance of community-focused journalism.

In this special first episode of CONNECTIONS - Media Edition, hosts Tom Luljak and Maredithe Meyer speak with Kynala Phillips of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Ron Smith of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service about the evolving role of neighborhood journalism in Milwaukee. They explore how both organizations are building trust within communities, expanding coverage of historically underrepresented neighborhoods, and creating more community-centered approaches to local news reporting.

In this episode of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Lujak talks with JoAnne Anton, President and CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies, about her remarkable career in public service and community impact. JoAnne reflects on her longtime partnership with Herb Kohl, sharing stories about his commitment to service, education, and the people of Wisconsin. She also discusses her path from Milwaukee's family dry-cleaning business to leadership in philanthropy and the lasting impact of Kohl's legacy across the state.

On this episode of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Luljak sits down with fellow Rotarian Jerry Stepaniak and Marquette University student Laura Johnson about Rotary Club of Milwaukee's partnership bringing clean water to communities in Guatemala.

They share how hands-on collaboration is transforming lives abroad while shaping the next generation of civic-minded engineers. You'll hear inspiring stories from the field and see how Milwaukee leaders and students are making a real difference together.