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Pam Blattner, a celebrated figure in the banking world and assistant vice president at Bank of Sun Prairie, shares her remarkable journey from retail to banking, and how her passion for community service drives her success. Discover how personal experiences with her daughter led Pam to create Limitless Wisconsin, an inspiring event that supports those with limb differences. As we explore her career, Pam reveals the transformative environment at Bank of Sun Prairie that recognized her potential and celebrates her as Sun Prairie's Best Businesswoman of the Year.

Learn how Bank of Sun Prairie is not just a financial institution but a cornerstone of community empowerment through initiatives like the Financial Fitness Center. This innovative project within Sun Prairie West High School is educating a new generation on personal finance, home ownership, and business building. Explore how these educational services aim to uplift individuals and small businesses, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion that supports small businesses of color. Pam highlights the bank’s unique, personalized approach to lending that sets it apart from impersonal national banks.

Our conversation takes a closer look at the bank's commitment to diversity and local business support, contrasting traditional banks with credit unions' community-centered efforts. Hear success stories of how the bank reinvests profits through extensive volunteer work and partnerships, impacting over 100 organizations. Dive into the vibrant relationship with the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, which fosters local business growth through networking events like Sunrise and Sunset Sun Prairie. And for those looking to connect with the bank, Pam outlines the special promotions and services designed to cater to diverse financial needs. Listen in for an engaging and informative discussion on building a better community through financial literacy and support.

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Have you ever wondered how early financial education can shape your future? Otto Gebhardt of Gebhardt Development joins us to share his journey from growing up in Madison to becoming a successful real estate developer. Otto's story is a testament to the importance of financial literacy, hard work, and living within one's means. We'll uncover the essential principles of compounding wealth and parents' critical role in teaching financial responsibility. Otto's experience offers invaluable lessons on avoiding the pitfalls of generational wealth and ensuring that the next generation is financially savvy and self-sufficient.

Are you interested in real estate investing or entrepreneurship? This episode is packed with Otto's insights on navigating market cycles, the importance of patience, and strategic timing in real estate. Learn from historical financial shifts and gain practical advice on avoiding common investment mistakes. Otto also shares his experiences in the restaurant and real estate development sectors, emphasizing the value of mentorship and hands-on learning. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, Otto's strategies for future planning and market preparedness will inspire and inform your journey.

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What does it take to truly empower underserved communities and create lasting change? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Sedrick Page, the Chief Operating Officer for the Black Men Coalition Foundation. Cedric opens up about the foundation's groundbreaking $25 million employment housing project in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and the innovative employment services designed to provide holistic support for job seekers. We delve into transformative initiatives like the free youth baseball program and the eCornell certificate program, which offers college-level courses to community members earning under $70,000 a year. You'll gain valuable insights into how these efforts are building stronger communities, creating sustainable housing, and opening doors to new opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.

In addition to these powerful community initiatives, Sedrick also emphasizes the benefits of pursuing multiple certifications, even for those with advanced degrees. Imagine upgrading your skills in diversity, equity, inclusion, project management, and law with just a five-hour weekly commitment over eight weeks. Sedrick sheds light on the supportive resources available that make these programs accessible to all, including laptops, Wi-Fi, and in-person instruction. We wrap up with a heartfelt message of positivity and gratitude, thanking Sedrick for his invaluable contributions and expressing our anticipation for his future endeavors. Tune in for an episode filled with actionable ideas, inspiration, and a vision for a better tomorrow!

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Imagine having your child taken away while you're fighting to reclaim your life. That's the reality Sinceray McCullough, also known as Ray, faced when her son was wrongfully placed in foster care during her incarceration. In this powerful episode, Ray recounts her tumultuous upbringing in Chicago, filled with neglect, abuse, and the challenges of the foster care system. Her story is one of incredible resilience, as she finds the strength in her siblings and extended family to turn her pain into a purpose-driven movement called "I Want War."

Ray's journey to reunify with her son is fraught with obstacles, including the stringent requirements of anger management courses, parenting certificates, and psychological evaluations. She exposes the often adversarial relationship with social workers and the crushing timelines dictated by the 1522 law, which prioritizes departmental agendas over family unity. Ray offers an unfiltered look at the emotional and bureaucratic struggles many parents endure, highlighting the systemic flaws that make reunification grueling.

We also shine a light on Ray's relentless fight within the family court system, marred by a traumatic car accident Her transformation from a felon to a peer support specialist serves as a beacon of hope. Ray shares invaluable advice for individuals with criminal backgrounds seeking rehabilitation to enhance employment prospects. Her story underscores the power of legal representation, the necessity of a stable environment, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit in overcoming life's toughest challenges. Tune in for a poignant exploration of resilience, advocacy, and the fight for family.

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What if you could be part of a community that values impactful achievements and celebrates its heroes? Join us for an illuminating conversation with some incredible guests who have recently received a prestigious presidential award from AmeriCorps, thanks to an unexpected nomination by DeMarco Plays. We'll also explore the vibrant local theater scene, featuring Raphael Raglands' successful stage play, "Motown in the Living Room." Our discussion extends to significant community milestones, like the advocacy and fundraising efforts that led to the commissioning of a historic statue of Vail Phillips, marking a new era in representation at the state capitol.

Ever wondered what it takes to organize a major community event that could potentially create jobs and attract nationwide attention? We dive deep into the intricate challenges and meticulous planning behind the upcoming white party, celebrating 25 years of the Boys and Girls Clubs. Get invaluable insights from key individuals such as Latonya Jackson and Jamal Boyd, along with support from Governor Evers. We'll discuss the motivations behind supporting the Boys and Girls Club, viewing it as a life ministry rather than just a job, and how individuals and businesses can contribute through sponsorships, volunteering, and donations.

Let's tackle some hard-hitting issues, like the disparity between investment in education and incarceration in Wisconsin, and explore innovative solutions such as a public workforce high school with unionized teachers. Our guest also shares their upcoming sabbatical plans, emphasizing the necessity of personal growth and family time after years of transformative work in youth development. We wrap up with words of wisdom for the youth, stressing the importance of perseverance, learning from failures, and surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals. Discover how diverse connections and self-reliance are key to achieving success, all while offering a heartfelt wish for continued progress and inspiration.

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Discover the transformative role doulas play in supporting single mothers through the prenatal and birthing process. Our latest episode promises invaluable insights into how doulas cultivate a nurturing and informative environment for single mothers, often collaborating with other doulas or the mother's existing support network. We emphasize the importance of personalized care plans and share essential advice for aspiring doulas, from understanding their motivations to managing their workload to prevent burnout. By tuning in, you'll gain practical strategies for enhancing the birthing experience and fostering a supportive community for new mothers.

We also reimagine the healthcare landscape by exploring ancient midwifery practices and the vital contribution of doulas in modern care. Through compelling personal stories, we highlight how continuous, personalized care from doulas can significantly impact families. Our discussion extends to the challenges faced by black birthing people in Madison-Dane County and the urgent need for system-wide transformation. The episode concludes with an inspiring conversation with a dedicated doula from "A Doula Just for You," who shares her approach to providing accessible and community-focused support. Join us for an episode filled with heartfelt discussions and actionable insights to improve maternal care.

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What does it mean to bring joy back to childbirth? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Uchenna Jones, recognized as one of Wisconsin's 51 most influential leaders of 2023. Uchenna's journey from aspiring doctor to accomplished doula and upcoming midwife is inspiring. With roots deeply embedded in her Nigerian heritage and bolstered by her extensive experience in healthcare, Uchenna discusses the vital role of doulas in labor support, particularly in combating the historical mistreatment of Black women in obstetrics. She passionately advocates for birth as a joyous and sacred rite of passage.

Delve into the harrowing realities faced by birthing individuals, including those shackled in prisons, and the emotional and physical trauma they endure. We discuss the importance of freedom of movement during labor and the detrimental impact of restrictive practices. Through powerful stories, including the births of Tupac and Minister Eugene Smalls, Uchena highlights the profound effect on both mother and child. She emphasizes empowering birthing people to trust their instincts and the transformative role of doulas and nurses in creating positive birth experiences. Personal anecdotes reveal the deep emotional transformations that birth can bring, not just for mothers but for fathers, too.

Uchenna shares her spiritual journey through 22 years of doula work, from the emotional strength of mothers during labor to her transition into nursing, driven by a desire to blend holistic care with medical expertise. As a Black woman in the doula profession, she navigates unique challenges and leverages her Nigerian heritage to enrich her practice. The episode wraps up with a focus on personalized prenatal care and the essential involvement of birth partners, ensuring every birthing experience is supported and joyous. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of birth and the crucial role of compassionate care.

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Navigating the challenges of fatherhood, especially within the African-American community, is a journey paved with obstacles and victories. On today's episode, we shed light on the Urban League of Greater Madison Fatherhood Group's commitment to supporting black fathers in overcoming systemic hurdles. I open up about my struggles with mental health and legal systems, adding a deeply personal perspective to the conversation. We also honor the transformative work of Sheriff Barrett in improving mental health services in correctional facilities, further exploring how policy and funding play a crucial role in father reentry programs.

The walls of a jail cell often contain untold stories, and our discussion doesn't shy away from the realities of incarceration. We peel back the layers to reveal the mental anguish suffered by many who are legally innocent, the societal pressures leading to high conviction rates, and the systemic undercurrents that hark back to darker chapters in our history. But it's not all grim; there's a glimmer of hope as we discuss strides toward reform, recognizing that change is necessary and possible.

Family is the cornerstone of society, and we devote a heartfelt segment to the significance of fatherhood and debunking myths about African-American paternal engagement. It's not just about being present; it's about understanding and navigating the complex web of family court systems and child support. We share resources, educate on parental rights, and stress the importance of co-parenting for children's mental and emotional development. This episode goes beyond talk; it's a resource for anyone looking to make sense of the family court maze and to reinforce the value of fatherhood.

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