Host Libby Collins talks with a newsmaker or local celebrity in this weekly interview segment.
Sun, January 19, 2025
The Milwaukee Fire Department has developed the MORI program to address the problem of multiple overdose calls. Chief Aaron Lipski and Lt. Jonathan Belott talk with Libby Collins on this edition of WTMJ Conversations about the Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative.
Sun, January 12, 2025
Gary Nocasek may be the most interesting man in the world. He's held many different titles in wildly different fields, each of which sounds more outlandish than the last. Today on Conversations, he sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss his path from radio, to wrestling, to blessing lions, tigers, and circus clowns as the Deacon of Circus and Rodeo Ministry. If you think working for a church is boring, you'll change your mind after hearing this unbelievable edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, December 22, 2024
Kristine Hoiland is a nurse practitioner in the Medical College of Wisconsin Division of Hematology and Oncology. But that's not the only thing Kristine does. She also works with international aid organizations, bringing her nursing skills to vulnerable patients in places like Haiti, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Nigeria, Uganda, Pakistan and Ukraine. Today on WTMJ Conversations, she talks with WTMJ's Libby Collins about her beginnings in travel nursing, working in an active war zone, being in New York City in the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, and much more. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, December 15, 2024
Jeff Morin, President of Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, grew up in a small town in Maine. Today on WTMJ Conversations, he talks with WTMJ's Libby Collins about the culture shock he experienced attending art school, his path from Maine all the way to Milwaukee, and what he believes the future holds for artists with the advent of A.I. art. It's all ahead on this creative edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, December 08, 2024
As the new Editor-in-Chief of the Milwaukee Business Journal, Tim Gibbons has a large role to fill, and he knows it. Today on WTMJ Conversations, he sits down with Libby Collins to discuss his beginnings as a reporter, the importance of local news, how to make business interesting, and much more. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, December 01, 2024
Cindy Karrels started crafting delicious chocolates for herself and her loved ones. Then, after more than ten years, she entered into competition at the State Fair. Today, the Best of Show winner talks to WTMJ's Libby Collins about how she began making chocolates, the people and ideas that inspire her luxurious flavors, and the intricacies of the chocolate-making process. It's all ahead on this delectable edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, November 24, 2024
Sidney McCain, Music Director of WMSE, has worked with some of the biggest names on the music industry. Today on WTMJ Conversations, she joins Libby Collins to discuss growing up as the rebellious child of two parents involved in politics, her time as an intern with MTV, and her work with countless record labels. Tune in to hear Sid talk about her favorite and least favorite artists to work with, find out how she ended up in Milwaukee, and hear her share a few memories of her famous father. It's all ahead on this rocking episode of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, November 10, 2024
Brew City Wrestling promoter, Frankie DeFalco has been in the ring with notables ranging from Shawn Michaels to Andre the Giant. Today on WTMJ Conversations, Libby Collins gets in the ring with him to learn what it takes to become a professional wrestler.
Sun, November 03, 2024
Before Brian Noonan became co-host of Spanning the State, he worked in L.A. as an actor and comedian. Today, he talks with WTMJ's Libby Collins about growing up in Chicago, getting his start in radio, working as a bouncer with the mob, being a game show winner, and so much more. It's all ahead on this uproarious edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, October 06, 2024
Greg Wesley is the new President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Today, he talks with Libby Collins about the people who made him who he is today, the new community space, Thrive on King, and ways the Greater Milwaukee Foundations invests in the community. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, September 08, 2024
Educator Peter Rettler has run every single day for over 30 years. Today on WTMJ Conversations, he tells WTMJ's Libby Collins how his journey began, continuing through hurdles like kidney stones, cancelled flights, and childbirth, and why he decided to turn his passion into a way to raise funds for the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial in Kewaskum. It's all ahead on this invigorating edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, August 25, 2024
In the summer of 2020, twins Leena and Leean Le joined Milwaukee activist Frank Nitty's march to Washington. What they experienced over those 24 days would change the course of their lives forever. Today, they sit down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to talk about how they became involved with the march, the cult-like atmosphere that developed as they walked across the country, and the way that summer affects their lives to this day. All this and much more on this suspenseful edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, August 18, 2024
For some it's a dream come true, selling it all and hitting the road in an RV to see the country. Well, Kira and Tim Lafond did just that. Today on WTMJ Conversations, they talk with WTMJ's Libby Collins about their journey, the plethora of people they met along the way, and what they learned about themselves and each other. It's all ahead on this free-spirited edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, August 11, 2024
We were shocked how quickly the Afghan government fell apart when the U.S. troop withdrawal took place. But Qadir Shah Hotek lived through it. Today, he tells WTMJ's Libby Collins how he escaped Afghanistan not knowing where he would end up, his long journey to the United States, starting a new life from nothing, and his work helping other new immigrants adjust to life in the United States. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, August 04, 2024
Most of us would never get on a plane, without knowing your destination, to meet the love of your life on a TV show. But Racine's Grace Girard decided to look for love on Fox TV's Farmer Wants A Wife. She tells WTMJ's Libby Collins how she found love on a TV show and the unexpected turn her romantic life took after the cameras stopped filming. It's all ahead on this delightful edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, July 28, 2024
Roger Caplinger spent 33 years as the Medical Director for the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2017 he received the devastating news that he had pancreatic cancer. Today, he sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss his remarkable journey, what he learned from working with the Brewers, the revolutionary pancreatic cancer research being done in Milwaukee, and so much more. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, July 14, 2024
With the RNC in Milwaukee, politics are at the top of everyone's mind. On this edition of WTMJ Conversations, Libby Collins shares 3 interviews about an American political dynasty: the Kennedys. First, Libby talks with former Congressman Patrick Kennedy about his struggles with mental health. Next, an interview with the former boarding school roommate of JFK Jr., and finally, an exclusive interview with independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. where he talks about his complicated family dynamic, being scrutinized by the media, and much more. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, July 07, 2024
Diana Higgenbottom Anagnostopoulos has had a long journey. After finding out as a child that she was adopted, her search for her birth parents is a story decades in the making. Today, she sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to tell the whole tale, from finding out that her biological mother did not want to meet her, to being reunited with her father's family, and having her journey be the focus of a documentary. It's all ahead on this heartwarming edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, June 30, 2024
Ivan Bannier, a sixteen-year-old from Franklin, Wisconsin, is part of a very exclusive club. He is one of about 500 people to earn every scouting merit badge! On this edition of WTMJ Conversations, he talks with WTMJ's Libby Collins about his favorite badges, the highs and lows of his quest, the badges that almost made him give up, and what he could possibly do now. Be prepared for this exciting edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, June 23, 2024
Sun, June 16, 2024
WTMJ's Sandy Maxx brings you backstage for this exclusive preview of the diverse music lineup and new unique attractions at Summerfest. Milwaukee World Festivals, Inc's Vice President of Entertainment, Scott Ziel, and Senior Director of Marketing, Jerrod Woods, give you an insider's look to help you plan to make the most of your visit to The World's Largest Music Festival.
Sun, June 09, 2024
Sister Debra Sciano is not only the provincial leader for the School Sisters of Notre Dame, but she also spent years working in the District Attorney's office. What's it like being a nun in the 21st century? Sister Debra Sciano joins WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss balancing her duties to the church with her life as a lawyer, the increasing age of nuns, and much more on this candid edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, June 02, 2024
Sun, May 26, 2024
Sun, May 19, 2024
In early 2023, Mark Jensen was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 1998 murder of his wife. Today, WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with that trial's jury, Ken Humphrey. Ken goes deep into the jury selection process, gives us the inside scoop on how a jury operates, and talks about his new book, which is loosely based on his experiences with the trial. It's all ahead on this thrilling edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, May 12, 2024
You know her from Spanning the State and As Goes Wisconsin, but there's so much more to Kristin Brey. Today, she sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to tell her story. Tune in to hear about Kristin's life as an actor in Hollywood, her time working in tech in New York, and how she ended up in Milwaukee at WTMJ. It's all ahead on this exciting edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, May 05, 2024
Mayor Cavalier Johnson recently proclaimed April 7th, 2024 as "Milwaukee Record Day" in honor of the publication's ten year anniversary. Today, WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with the Milwaukee Record's co-founders, Matt Wild and Tyler Maas, for a hilarious discussion about music, culture, gentle sarcasm, and much more on this edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, April 21, 2024
As the CEO of Sellars Absorbent Materials, Tom Sellars has been dedicated to creating sustainable, environmentally friendly products. But Tom is much more than a businessman. He has worked with artists like James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Jerry Garcia, and even Paul McCartney to plan massive concerts to raise awareness of Earth Day. Tom joins WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss how he first began working with musicians, some of his favorite "on the tour bus" stories, and his pivot to starting a business that became a multi-million dollar company. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, April 14, 2024
Musician Ben Mulwana was born in Uganda, but now resides in Wisconsin. Today, he tells WTMJ's Libby Collins the story of how he began playing music in Africa, his move to Wisconsin, his biggest culture shocks and much more on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, April 07, 2024
Do you ever wonder what goes on at the Port of Milwaukee? Jackie Q. Carter is the current president of the Port of Milwaukee. She's also the first woman and first person of color to hold the position. Today, she joins Libby Collins to discuss her path to the port and the importance of what the Port of Milwaukee contributes to the city. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, March 24, 2024
Whether you watch PBS for concerts, documentaries or kid's shows, they've got programming for everyone. Today, Libby Collins is joined by Vice President and General Manager of Milwaukee PBS, Debbie Hamlett. Debbie discusses the most popular PBS shows, the process of a PBS project from conception to national distribution, and much more. It's all ahead on today's WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, March 10, 2024
Many people dream of writing a book. But where do you start? On today's WTMJ Conversations, Libby Collins sits down with founder of Waukesha's International Creative Writing Studio, Kathie Giorgio, to discuss how she began writing, the events in her life that inspire her work, how she helps aspiring authors get published, and much more! It's all ahead on this exciting edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, March 03, 2024
If you wanted to record an album, where would you go? Nashville, New York, or L.A.? What about Grafton? Today, WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with Blues Historian Angie Mack to talk about a recording studio that recorded some of the most influential blues artists of the genre. Learn about the early days of Paramount Records, how Grafton is keeping its blues legacy alive, and much more on this exciting edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, February 18, 2024
Anwar Floyd Pruitt may be the most interesting man in Milwaukee. He is an artist and puppeteer, a Harvard graduate, and much more. He sat down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss how he became an artist in his 30s, being attacked while creating a Black Lives Matter mural, and more on this exciting edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, February 11, 2024
Growing up, David Lee wanted to be the Chinese George Clooney. Today, he's the president and general manager of Milwaukee NPR. He sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss how he ended up in Milwaukee, the trials and tribulations of working as a screenwriter, the tremendous impact that public radio has had on his life, and much, much more. It's all ahead on this exciting edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, February 04, 2024
WTMJ Conversations: Rose Gray
Sun, January 28, 2024
You never think it will happen to you. In 2016, George Moore's son, George Moore IV, died of a heroin overdose. Now, he sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss his son's addiction, ways that family members of those struggling with addiction can get help, and the steps Wisconsin needs to take to reduce drug deaths.
Sun, January 21, 2024
Sun, January 14, 2024
You may not recognize the name, but you probably remember hearing about an eighteen year old pilot who lost his life in May of 2022 after taking off from Timmerman Airport. His family sat down with WTMJ'S Libby Collins to discuss the accident, what made Daniel special, and the hope that has come from their tragedy.
Sun, January 07, 2024
The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce has a new president: Former State Senator Dale Kooyenga. He sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss his history in the military, his time in politics, the challenges he faces coming into his new role, and what makes him ready for it. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, December 31, 2023
WTMJ Conversations: Katina Eats Kilos
Sun, December 10, 2023
Police dog handlers have to form a trusting relationship with their K-9 partner, but it doesn't mean it's always easy. Franklin Police Detective Holly McManus sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to talk about some of the challenges, building her relationship with Franklin's first K-9, and the charitable foundation started in his name. It's all ahead on this edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, December 03, 2023
Carole Meekins has spent 32 years as anchor at TMJ4. She tells WTMJ's Libby Collins about how she began her career in news, her doubts when she first arrived in Milwaukee, her passion for showing the positive side of the city, and much more on this edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, November 26, 2023
Raven Jemison has worked with sports teams in the NHL, MLB, NFL, and the NBA. She sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to talk about her life and personal journey, how she began working with the Milwaukee Bucks, and her new book. It's all ahead on this exciting edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, October 22, 2023
Former Boston Globe Reporter Judy Rakowsky, who covered the Church sex abuse scandal and mobster Whitey Bulger, tells Libby Collins the real life story of searching for the truth about what happened to her family during the Holocaust on this edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, October 15, 2023
Milwaukee native Scott Klug started his career as a TV news reporter, but changed careers serving Madison in Congress for 4 terms. Now, he's starting a podcast designed to reach out to Americans who don't necessarily fit in with the left or the right. WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with him to discuss his life before Congress, his time in politics and the Gang of Seven, and what he's doing now. It's all ahead on today's edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, October 01, 2023
Dr. Eve Hall has held many positions throughout her life. From her time as a teacher, to working for Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, to becoming the President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League. She sat down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to talk about how she got where she is today, the way that her career paths have intertwined, the history of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League, and more on this edition of WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, September 10, 2023
The Milwaukee Rep has established a reputation for presenting outstanding original theatrical shows. Next week, the rock musical Run Bambi Run has its world premiere. WTMJ's Libby Collins sat down with The Rep's Artistic Director Mark Clements to discuss his history with Milwaukee Rep and the reason they chose to tell the story of Bambi Bembenick.
Sun, August 27, 2023
WTMJ Conversations: Randy Bryant
Sun, August 20, 2023
The Britins have been playing Beatles tunes in Milwaukee and all over the country for over 40 years. WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with them to discuss how they began playing music, the pressure that comes with paying tribute to music legends, and the impact that the Beatles have had on their lives, as well as the lives of their audience.
Sun, August 13, 2023
Peggy West-Schroder was a Milwaukee County Supervisor for fourteen years. She is now the Executive Director for an organization assisting pregnant women in jail, but was almost behind bars herself a few years ago. WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with her to discuss being born in a prison and her early life, her time in local government, and more on this edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, August 06, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down Sheriff Denita Ball to discuss growing up in the south, how she began her career in law enforcement, the lessons she's learned throughout her time, and her plans for the future.
Sun, July 30, 2023
Former WTMJ sports reporter Jay Sorgi talks with Libby Collins about his lifelong plan to bring the Olympic Games to Milwaukee.
Sun, July 23, 2023
Navy Rear Admiral Douglas Perry visited Milwaukee during Navy Week and sat down with WTMJ Conversations to discuss living on a submarine, the troubles of being a military spouse, being in the Pentagon on 9/11, and more on this week's WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, July 16, 2023
If you've had a Kia or Hyundai stolen in Milwaukee, you may be eligible to be part of the class-action lawsuit against the companies. WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with the lawyer who filed the suit to discuss how he became involved with the case, how he feels about copycat lawsuits in bigger cities, and more on this week's WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, July 09, 2023
If you're a cyclist in Milwaukee, you're probably familiar with Wheel & Sprocket. The company is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and Libby Collins sat down with their president, Noel Kegel, to talk about the legacy his father left in the Wisconsin cycling community, his path to the presidency of Wheel & Sprocket, and more on today's WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, June 25, 2023
Sun, June 18, 2023
WTMJ's Sandy Maxx sits down with Summerfest President and CEO Don Smiley to discuss his fascinating life. Hear about Don's early TV career, his time working with the MLB, how he helped to revolutionize home video, and, of course, his work with Summerfest. All of this and more on today's WTMJ Conversations!
Sun, June 11, 2023
Sun, June 04, 2023
Emily Kuester grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and always dreamed of making movies. On this week's WTMJ Conversation, she talks with Libby Collins about her first full-length documentary, "Messwood," the story of how Milwaukee's Messmer and Shorewood High Schools joined together to form one football team.
Sun, May 28, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with Quentin Hatfield, Executive Director of VetsNet.
Sun, May 21, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to discuss what he's doing now, his time as Governor, and if he'll try to enter public office again.
Sun, May 14, 2023
Rosemary Kennedy, sister of President Kennedy, had a lobotomy and was institutionalized in Jefferson, Wisconsin. WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with author Elizabeth Koehler Pentacoff, whose aunt was a nun who took care of Rosemary. Hear this story from a perspective you've never experienced before on today's WTMJ Conversation
Sun, May 07, 2023
Mel Ricks can be seen and heard all over Milwaukee. From hosting Milwaukee Bucks games to hosting a show on our sister station the Truth, she does it all. She sat down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss how she started working with the Bucks, her beginnings in radio, and her hopes for the future on today's WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, April 30, 2023
Why would someone leave a successful career in the corporate world to work at a vineyard? Libby Collins asks Jocelyn Mentuis about her motivation.
Sun, April 23, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with Candace Strong from the nonprofit organization Trisha's Troops to discuss the start of the organization and what's ahead for them.
Sun, April 16, 2023
Ed Hennings sold drugs and killed a man on Milwaukee's northwest side and served twenty years of a forty year sentence. How did Hennings turn his life around? WTMJ's Libby Collins discovers Henning's story of going from criminal to respectable on this week's WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, April 09, 2023
What would you do if you had enough money to fulfill a dream? Waukesha software entrepreneur Dave Meister told Libby Collins about his plans to recreate the legendary Cavern Club where the Beatles played before they were famous.
Sun, April 02, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with Alison Kleibor, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Humane Society, to discuss how she became involved with the organization, things that people should consider before adopting a pet, how the WHS works to shut down puppy mills, and more on today's WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, March 26, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with Dave Spano from Annex Wealth Management.
Sun, March 19, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with Kari Bell, the "talk boss" on one of the longest Navy deployments in U.S. history.
Sun, March 12, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with film critic Duane Dudek.
Sun, March 05, 2023
WTMJ's Libby Collins sits down with former Fox 6 meteorologist Bart Adrian.
Sun, February 19, 2023
Mark Kass, Editor of the Milwaukee Business Journal is known for his insightful analysis of the business community in Southeastern Wisconsin. But how did he get his start in journalism?
Fri, February 10, 2023
Our sister station, 101.7 The Truth, embraces Milwaukee's Black community. As it begins its third broadcast year, midday host Sherwin Hughes shares his thoughts on why people should listen to The Truth with WTMJ'S Libby Collins.
Fri, February 10, 2023
Wisconsin State Senator Van Wanggaard is a leader in Madison, but wasn't always in politics. His first career was in law enforcement. WTMJ’s Libby Collins talked with Senator Wanggaard not just about politics but how decades later, an experience as a police officer elicits strong emotions on this week’s episode of WTMJ Conversations.
Fri, February 10, 2023
Jeff Smulyan has done it all. He's pioneered multiple radio formats, employed broadcasting legends, and even owned a baseball team. Now, he sits down with WTMJ's Libby Collins to discuss his new memoir and a few of the stories within on today's edition of WTMJ Conversations.
Fri, February 10, 2023
WTMJ's Sandy Maxx joins John Mercure to discuss her family's radio legacy, growing up as a punk, and more in today's WTMJ Conversations.
Sun, April 25, 2021
Dawn Helmrich is the founder of Milwaukee Denim Day. Denim Day’s Mission is to end victim blaming and promote awareness about sexual violence in our communities. Helmrich is this week’s guest on WTMJ Conversations.
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