Episodes

  • "Just Look at the Door" - Steve & Clay Olson – Episode 614

    "Just Look at the Door" - Steve & Clay Olson – Episode 614
    Jul 10 2026
    Recorded on location at Gilbert's of Sand Creek, this episode of the BEAR Discussions Podcast features host Charlie Walker and co-host Karen Smith in conversation with Steve Olson and Clay Olson. Together, they discuss the dealership's history, the value of family ownership, leadership, innovation, and what continues to drive the business forward in the Chippewa Valley.
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    35 mins
  • "Learning to Say No" - Kelli Cook – Episode 613

    "Learning to Say No" - Kelli Cook – Episode 613
    Jun 26 2026
    Host Charlie Walker sits down with Kelli Cook, founder of The Yoga Plant in Chippewa Falls, to talk about how saying yes to everything led to burnout—and how learning to say no transformed her energy, her business, and the community she serves.
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    23 mins
  • "Keep Your Eye On The Target" – David Epstein – Episode 612

    "Keep Your Eye On The Target" – David Epstein – Episode 612
    Jun 12 2026
    Tune in to this episode with host Charlie Walker and cohost Ken Pearson of Jackson County Economic Development & Tourism for a conversation with David Epstein, recorded in Jackson County.

    Listen as owner of Mosser Lee, David Epstein shares insights on real-world challenges and opportunities in rural communities, and how treating your employees well can go a long way toward building strong, successful organizations and regions.
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    29 mins
  • "Opportunity, Not Opposition" – Maggi Thorne – Episode 611

    "Opportunity, Not Opposition" – Maggi Thorne – Episode 611
    May 29 2026
    Nine‑time American Ninja Warrior and entrepreneur Maggi Thorne joins host Charlie Walker and co‑host John Gatto to share how she learned to see every setback as opportunity, not opposition. From starting as a custodian to managing multi‑million‑dollar projects and stepping onto the American Ninja Warrior stage, Maggi unpacks the mindset, resilience, and faith it takes to keep moving forward when success comes with problems attached.
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    38 mins
  • "Building Momentum" – Steve Jahn – Episode 610

    "Building Momentum" – Steve Jahn – Episode 610
    May 15 2026
    In this episode of the CEDC Bear Discussions podcast, Charlie Walker sits down with Momentum West Executive Director Steve Jahn to discuss the power of partnerships in economic development. Learn how collaboration among communities, businesses, educators, and economic development organizations has helped make Western Wisconsin a thriving place to live, work, and invest.
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    26 mins
  • "Cultivating Purpose: Vets, Vines & Vision" - Wisconsin Veterans Farm & Winery - Episode 609

    "Cultivating Purpose: Vets, Vines & Vision" - Wisconsin Veterans Farm & Winery - Episode 609
    May 1 2026
    Join hosts Charlie Walker and cohost Ron Haas, President of the Stanley Chamber of Commerce, on the BEAR Discussions Podcast as they sit down with retired U.S. Army veteran Dan Osborn, owner of Wisconsin Veterans Farm & Winery in Cornell, Wisconsin. Tune in to hear his journey from military service to building a unique agritourism and winery business rooted in purpose, community, and veteran empowerment right here in Chippewa County.
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    43 mins
  • "Underground to Unstoppable" - Mag Stainless - Episode 608

    "Underground to Unstoppable" - Mag Stainless - Episode 608
    Apr 17 2026
    Join hosts Charlie and Lisa on the Bear Podcast as they interview Matt and Shawna Gwiazda, owners of Mag Stainless in Cadott, Wisconsin. Tune in to hear their journey building a nationally recognized stainless steel fabrication company right here in Chippewa County.
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    32 mins
  • "From Coast Guard to Community Banker" - Ken Hanley - Episode 607

    "From Coast Guard to Community Banker" - Ken Hanley - Episode 607
    Apr 3 2026
    Charlie and Ken discuss the unique challenges of rural and home‑based businesses, the power of community banks, and how to build a banking relationship before you really need it.
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    26 mins