Podcast
Open Record
Hosted by © FOX6 Milwaukee · EN
FOX6 Investigative reporters Bryan Polcyn, Jenna Sachs and Amanda St. Hilaire break down the big stories and what it took to get them. "Open Record" takes you behind the scenes of the investigative reporting unit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's the details the reporters couldn't tell you on T.V.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
E411: Brew City Beagles
2d ago00:45:45Tap to summarizeAs rescues and shelters near the end of their mission to remove 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms, some of the newly freed dogs are already adapting to new homes. On this week's episode, Bryan, Carl and Jenna talk to a New York fitness influencer who was tackled and arrested during the April 18 raid on Ridglan and now has a Ridglan rescue dog of her own. They also catch up with one of the first Milwaukee area families to foster a Ridglan beagle. Plus, in our Off the Record segment, what's something you've lost that turned up again in the most unusual way? The tale of a daring save at Niagara Falls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E410: Street Takeovers
1w ago00:45:45Tap to summarizeStreet takeovers are surging across Milwaukee—and they’re becoming more dangerous, more coordinated, and harder to stop. In this episode of Open Record, Bryan Polcyn and Bill Miston break down what these chaotic events really look like on the ground, how social media is fueling their growth, and the troubling criminal elements now tied to some of the key suspects. Bryan and Bill are joined by two members of the Milwaukee Common Council to talk about how to tackle the problem. Plus, an update on the Ridglan Farms beagle rescue and what’s next in that ongoing story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E409: Ridglan Beagles Freed
2w ago00:45:45Tap to summarizeHundreds of Ridglan Farms beagles born into confinement and destined for science labs are getting a second chance at life. Two large non-profit animal welfare organizations announced Thursday, April 30th, that they inked a deal to purchase 1,500 beagles from the Dane County breeder. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn, Carl Deffenbaugh and Sara Smith discuss the extraordinary events of the past six weeks that led up to the high-stakes negotiation, what a pharmaceutical industry group says about the future of animal testing, and how the Wisconsin Humane Society plans to get 150 of the dogs ready for fostering and adoption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E408: Take Shelter Now
Apr 1600:45:45Tap to summarizeSevere weather awareness week has more than lived up to its name as southeastern Wisconsin has been bombarded by repeated rounds of dangerous storms, tornadoes and flooding. This week on Open Record, Carl and Bryan ask FOX6 Weather Expert Rob Haswell how weather warnings have changed and why you should never rely on sirens alone. Plus, Dr. Jeannette Sutton shares how emergency alerts are evolving with new technology. Plus, the 5 key things that every emergency alert should contain and what you should do when you get one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E407: Up For Grabs
Apr 900:45:45Tap to summarizeThe Wisconsin Supreme Court continues its hard left turn as another liberal-backed candidate cruises to victory. Judge Chris Taylor will soon join the majority after a landslide win in the 2026 Spring Election. On this week's episode of Open Record, FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi joins Carl and Bryan to explain why liberal-backed Justices will control the court for at least the next 4 years -- and likely beyond. Plus, a $135-million dollar school referendum rejected. Waukesha elects a Democratic mayor. And a longtime Brookfield mayor withstands an onslaught of outside spending from Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E406: The Bond of Brothers
Mar 2600:45:20Tap to summarizeOasiz Wiesblatt is a center for the Milwaukee Admirals, one of four hockey-playing brothers who stand out for more than just their skills on the ice. They are CODAs -- children of deaf adults. On this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Carl Deffenbaugh detail Wiesblatt's remarkable story. We also meet the founders of a Milwaukee business that is revolutionizing the way the Deaf and hard of hearing community experiences professional sports, by brining American Sign Language interpreting to the world of NHL play-by-play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E405: Ripoff Romeo on Trial
Mar 1900:45:21Tap to summarizeA man accused of kidnapping a kidnapping a 79-year-old woman finally goes to trial after 4 years of delays. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn chronicle Timothy Olson's troubling history of preying on women. They are joined by legal expert Julius Kim to break down the defendant's disruptive courtroom behavior and how a Milwaukee County Judge refused to allow him to derail his date with justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E404: Search for Senior Living
Mar 1200:45:48Tap to summarizeThe search for senior living often happens during a crisis. A referral agency can help narrow the field, but before hiring one, there are a few things you should know. In this episode of Open Record, Contact 6's Jenna Sachs talks about the push for transparency. You'll also hear from the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association about the changes they'd like to see from senior care referral agencies. In addition, Jenna digs into some of the top consumer problems plaguing Wisconsinites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E403: After the Boom
Mar 500:45:45Tap to summarizeConstruction has halted on a Milwaukee high-rise touted as the "world's tallest mass timber building." The future of the 31-story apartment building on the bank of the Milwaukee River downtown is in doubt, but it's not the only one. A growing list of major construction projects in and around Milwaukee are now in limbo. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn are joined by Chad Venne, Director of the Real Estate program at UW-Milwaukee's Lubar College of Business and Dale Kooyenga, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Milwuakee Association of Commerce. They explain the economic and demographic conditions behind the slowdown, why it's not just a Milwaukee problem, and how it could impact renters at all income levels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E402: End of an Era
Feb 2600:45:45Tap to summarizeFor 13 years, Robin Vos has presided over the Wisconsin State Assembly - the longest continuous hold on the Speaker's role in state history. On February 19, he announced he's leaving. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Carl Deffenbaugh talk to FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi about Vos' sometimes tumultuous tenure and the legacy he will leave. Plus, the unexpected connection between wakesurfing and hunting of sandhill cranes that led to an uproad in Madison. And what's still ahead as the 2025-26 legislative session nears its end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →