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.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
E415: All Slaves Are Free
1w ago00:45:44Tap to summarizeOn June 19th, 1865 -- nearly 3 full years after President Abraham Lincoln's emancipation proclamation declared the abolition of slavery in the United States -- federal soldiers rode into Galvetson, Texas, to annouce "all slaves are free." This week on Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Bria Jones talk to orgainzers of Milwaukee's 55th Juneteenth celebration, who say it is "not just Black history, it's American history." Hear how a pair of young professionals are bringing Juneteenth awareness to a new generation on social media. And why Wisconsin is one of just 18 states that does not consider Juneteenth a state holiday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E414: Behind the Big Gig
2w ago00:45:45Tap to summarizeScott Ziel was driving to pick up his daughter from choir when the phone rang. On the other end of the line -- Garth Brooks! The Vice-President of Entertainment for Summerfest tells the story of how they snagged the country rock legend as we preview the 58th iteration of the World's Largest Music Festival. Bryan and Carl are also joined by Summerfest marketing director Jerrod Woods. Hear how they landed this year's biggest artists, why they're fully committed to the three-weekend format, and why Bryan can't wait for the new pretzel charcuterie board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E413: Pulling Out Hairs
May 2800:45:45Tap to summarizeHundreds of thousands of Americans lose their hair every year while undergoing cancer treatment. In this week's episode, Carl and Bryan talk to Contact6's Jenna Sachs about a relatively new cold therapy treatment that's helping women (and men) protect their hair from chemotherapy drugs. Jenna shares one woman's story after she was told insurance would not cover the treatment. Plus, a small business owner speaks out about worsening delays by the US Postal Service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E412: The World Unites
May 2100:45:05Tap to summarizeFIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a newly-expanded field of 48 countries competing in 104 matches, all broadcast on FOX and FS1. In this week's episode, Carl and Bryan talk to Green Bay native and former US Men's National Team defenseman Jay DeMerit. They also catch up with Raj Saha, former GM of the Milwaukee Bucks arena, Fiserv Forum, now a key executive helping 16 stadiums in 3 countries prepare for the biggest sports tournament in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →E411: Brew City Beagles
May 1400:45:45Tap 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
May 700:45:45Tap 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
May 100:45:45Tap 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
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