Technology is everywhere, and it's changing the way we live, work, and connect! Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Aslinn Merriman and Kelly Decker of Women in Tech Wisconsin to talk about the evolving world of technology and how they're helping break down barriers and create more opportunities for women in the industry.

From the shift toward cashless payments and mobile banking to the technology used in real estate, podcast production, and everyday life, Aslinn and Kelly share how technology goes far beyond what most people traditionally think of as IT. They discuss how quickly things have changed, especially since the pandemic, and why understanding technology is becoming increasingly important across nearly every industry.

They also dive into the mission behind Women in Tech Wisconsin and the importance of helping young girls and women see themselves in careers they may have never considered. Through educational programs, hands-on activities like binary coding bracelets, and opportunities for different age groups, they're showing the next generation that technology offers so many different paths.

It's a conversation about innovation, opportunity, and the importance of showing people what's possible. Because sometimes, if you can't see it, you can't be it. Check it out!

There's something special about experiencing the performing arts live, and Maria Van Laanen knows firsthand just how powerful those moments can be! In this special bonus episode, Kelly & Nick are joined by Maria of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center to talk about her journey into the world of theater and the incredible impact the arts can have on a community.

Maria shares how her curiosity led her from selling tickets and working in theater marketing to discovering her passion for live performances during college. She also talks about what makes the Fox Cities such a special community and gives listeners a look at the exciting shows and experiences coming to the PAC this season.

Beyond the stage, Maria highlights the PAC's commitment to education and making the arts accessible to students. From daytime educational performances and classroom resources to scholarship opportunities that help students attend at no cost, the PAC is creating experiences that can inspire the next generation.

From unforgettable performances to the opportunities happening behind the scenes, this episode is a reminder that the performing arts are about so much more than entertainment. They're about connection, education, and creating moments that can change lives. Check it out!

When women and girls have the resources and opportunities to succeed, the entire community benefits. Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Julie Keller with the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region to talk about the organization’s more than 30-year mission of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women and girls.

Julie shares how the Women’s Fund began when 100 women and some men each donated $1,000 to create a fund specifically focused on the challenges facing women and girls. Since then, they’ve invested more than $3 million into the community through nonprofit organizations, programs, and initiatives like Starting Point, which helps single mothers continue their education.

They also dive into the importance of helping young girls see what’s possible for their futures, especially in fields like STEM where women continue to be underrepresented. From education and career opportunities to identifying where women need additional support, the Women’s Fund is working to create lasting change throughout the Fox Valley.

It’s a conversation about opportunity, community, and making sure women and girls have the support they need to succeed. Check it out!

Being Miss Wisconsin is about so much more than wearing a crown. Kelly & Nick are joined by Miss Wisconsin 2026, Jordenne Butler, to talk about the journey that started when she was just 13 years old and eventually led her to representing communities across the state.

Jordenne shares how watching her dance teacher win Mrs. Wisconsin in 2009 first opened her eyes to the world of competitions and the scholarship opportunities that came with it. Since then, she’s competed six times, held the title of Miss Teen Wisconsin, and built friendships with people who have become some of her closest friends.

Now at 27, Jordenne is experiencing an exciting full-circle moment as Miss Wisconsin 2026. She talks about traveling across Wisconsin, connecting with different communities, giving back, and getting to do a job she truly loves.

From the relationships she’s built to the persistence it took to get here, Jordenne shares why this experience has always been about so much more than the crown. Check it out!

Out of unimaginable loss came a mission to help others. In this special bonus episode, Kelly & Nick are joined by Brian Randall of Kalico Forest, a nonprofit created to honor the lives of his sister, nephew, and unborn niece who were lost to domestic violence.

Brian shares the deeply personal story behind Kalico Forest, including how the organization was named after his sister’s jewelry brand and how her story opened his eyes to the number of individuals and families seeking help. Today, Kalico Forest supports communities in Idaho, where his sister lived, as well as right here in the Fox Valley.

Brian also talks about the different programs Kalico Forest offers to support children, pregnant women, and others impacted by domestic violence, along with the organization’s focus on advocacy, education, and fundraising. He also shares important statistics that show just how widespread domestic violence is and why awareness and access to support matter.

It’s a difficult conversation, but an important one about turning love and loss into a mission to help others. Check it out!

Sometimes the most unexpected experiences end up shaping where you go next. Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Jason Davis of Oshkosh Tattoo & Good Girl Piercing to talk about the unique path that led him into the tattoo and piercing industry.

Jason shares how it all started while he was attending college in Oshkosh and had such a positive experience getting his ear pierced that it stuck with him for years. After graduating and looking for work, he found himself back at the same place, where the person who had pierced his ear five years earlier was the manager.

That connection eventually turned into an even bigger opportunity when she decided to open her own shop and asked Jason to help with the advertising. Since Oshkosh Tattoo & Good Girl Piercing opened in March of 2007, Jason has been helping tell their story through radio ads and marketing.

From customer to coworker to becoming part of the story behind a longtime Oshkosh business, Jason shares how one experience and one connection can lead somewhere you never expected. Check it out!

Energy efficiency might sound complicated, but Cody Crouse and Mark Garrigan are here to make it make sense! Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Cody and Mark from Focus on Energy to talk about energy savings, where our energy is actually going, and why efficiency is becoming an increasingly important conversation.

Cody shares how his career started in the HVAC industry, eventually he saw just how much heating and cooling can impact energy costs and became passionate about helping people better understand their energy use. Mark brings a different perspective to the conversation, sharing his background in the lighting industry and how that led him into the world of energy efficiency.

From HVAC and lighting to practical ways businesses can think differently about their energy usage, Cody and Mark break down a topic that impacts all of us. Check it out!

Kindness has no age limit, and Katelyn Much is proof of that! In this special bonus episode, Kelly & Nick are joined by 9-year-old Katelyn of Katelyn’s Kindness to talk about her incredible passion for giving back and making other people smile.

It all started on Katelyn’s fifth birthday when, instead of asking her friends for presents, she asked them to give to others. She’s continued that tradition ever since, finding new ways to spread kindness throughout her community. Most recently, after a devastating tornado impacted the Menasha area, Katelyn created “Kid Kind Bags” filled with items for children of different ages who were affected.

At just 9 years old, Katelyn is showing that you’re never too young to make a difference. This episode is a sweet reminder of how one small act of kindness can grow into something so much bigger. Check it out!