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.

In this episode, Rotarian and Milwaukee Rep Executive Director Chad Baumann discusses the theater's $80 million renovation and its transformative impact on Milwaukee's arts community.

He also highlights the Rep's strong audience engagement, educational outreach, and the vital role of philanthropy in sustaining Wisconsin's underfunded arts sector.

Listen to the conversation on CONNECTIONS wherever you get your podcasts—including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Rotary website.

In this special episode of CONNECTIONS, Milwaukee Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis, RCM Executive Director, Mary McCormick, and polio survivor Kristine Hinrichs discuss Rotary's decades-long fight to eradicate polio.

They share personal stories, global progress, and the ongoing efforts to protect millions of children worldwide ahead of World Polio Day on October 24th.

Listen to the conversation on CONNECTIONS wherever you get your podcasts—including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Rotary website.

On this edition of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Luljak sits down with three young and ambitious Rotarians who are shaping the future of Milwaukee: Paige Radke of UMB Wealth Management, Antoine Carter of the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, and Carol Alexander Barnes of KCB Buildings LLC.

They share their perspectives as up-and-coming leaders, offering insight into how the next generation of Rotarians is making an impact in their professions, their community, and within the club.

On this edition of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Luljak shines a light on the good work of fellow Rotarian Ian Abston and Michael Hostad…two of the people who are the driving force behind lighting the Daniel Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee. We'll hear about the impact Lighting the Hoan has had on Milwaukee's image around the world…and how it has affected the way Milwaukeans themselves feel about their home town.

Later this week, Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District #21, will step down after decades of service that have transformed Milwaukee into a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community. Beth's passion for Milwaukee runs deep, and her energy is unmatched. Often spotted dashing through the city streets in her signature high heels, she led countless ambitious projects, all with the goal of making Milwaukee a better place to live, work, and play.

A lifelong Milwaukeean, Beth has been committed to the city since her first independent bus ride downtown to see a concert at the MECCA. Her career reflects this devotion. Hired in 1998 to lead the newly formed Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, Beth brought experience from roles at the Westown Association, the Milwaukee Department of City Development, and the Milwaukee Common Council.

Beth's decades of leadership, compassion, and vision have transformed Milwaukee, and have earned her the recognition of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee's 2025 Person of the Year.

Listen to Beth sit down with CONNECTIONS Podcast Host Tom Luljak as she reflects upon her colorful journey and career in Milwaukee.

In this episode of CONNECTIONS, host Tom Luljak sits down with new Rotarian Kevin Shafer, the Executive Director of MMSD - the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.

Kevin has been working on water issues for much of his career and is recognized as a national leader in water management. He's been called a visionary because of his work to stop sewer overflows into Lake Michigan and using Green Infrastructure.

We'll hear about Kevin's ability to create strong partnerships between MMSD and other leading organizations committed to keeping Milwaukee and Wisconsin's waterways safe for future generations.