Podcast
THE KOSH
Hosted by Timber Smith · EN
THE KOSH spotlights interesting people associated with Oshkosh, WI and the surrounding Fox Cities area.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 178: Megan Mulholland - Owner of Compass Communications, LLC
Mar 1501:30:26Tap to summarizeGet to know Megan Mulholland.In this episode Megan Mulholland, a communications expert and entrepreneur who specializes in crisis management and strategic storytelling, shares her professional evolution from journalism to high-level public relations, emphasizing the critical need for proactive incident command systems and authentic transparency within businesses and local government. Beyond her career, the conversation explores her personal values of loyalty, empathy, and adventure, highlighted by her goal to visit every continent and her advocacy for meaningful human connections. Ultimately, the episode serves as an inspiring look at female entrepreneurship and the importance of being prepared for life's inevitable challenges while remaining true to one's integrity and community.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:LinkedIn: Megan Mulholland, APR | LinkedInWebsite: Compass Communications LLC – Guiding you in the right direction.Compass Communications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compasscommunicationsFacebook: Facebook
Transcribe →
Episode 177: Ryne Lodl - Vice President Sales and Operations of Encompass Security
Feb 2701:27:28Tap to summarizeGet to know Ryne Lodl. In this episode, Ryne Lodl, Vice President of Sales at Encompass Security, discusses the critical importance of cybersecurity awareness for both businesses and individuals. He explains the technical complexities behind data breaches, noting the significant delay between an incident occurring and public notification due to the lengthy forensic analysis required. Lodl emphasizes that most security failures stem from human error, such as phishing or social engineering, and highlights the "not if, but when" reality of digital threats.Beyond professional advice, the conversation explores Lodl’s personal background, including his transition from psychology and social work to the technology sector, driven by a consistent desire to act as a community resource. He details specific protection tools, such as dark web scanning and family monitoring plans, to illustrate how proactive measures can prevent life-altering identity theft. Ultimately, the episode serves to humanize the cybersecurity industry by framing digital protection as a form of neighborly care and essential preparation in an increasingly AI-driven world.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:https://encompass-security.net/
Transcribe →
Episode 176: Sierra Burchby - Author of Forgotten Beasts: The Alpha
Feb 1400:51:29Tap to summarizeGet to know Sierra Burchby.This episode of The Kosh highlights Sierra Burchby, a prolific thirteen-year-old student and author from the Fox Cities region. The conversation shares Sierra’s impressive literary journey, during which she has already published four books ranging from Minecraft-themed fiction to young adult supernatural thrillers. Beyond her writing, Sierra discusses her aspirations for medical school, her passion for equestrian sports, and her commitment to volunteering at a snake rescue. The dialogue serves to inspire listeners by showcasing a young person’s active imagination and her disciplined self-publishing process, ultimately encouraging people of all ages to pursue their creative ambitions.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CH7MP52Thttps://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=Sierra+Burchby+https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sierra%20Burchby
Transcribe →
Episode 175: Michael Patton - Director of UWO Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
Feb 401:48:56Tap to summarizeGet to know Michael Patton. In this episode, Michael Patton—co-founder and director of the Cyber Security Center of Excellence at UW Oshkosh—explores the critical intersection of human behavior and digital safety. Patton argues that effective protection requires more than just software; it requires an understanding of social engineering and the psychological motivations behind cybercrime.Beyond his technical expertise, Patton discusses his deep community roots as a university educator and the voice of Titan athletics, embodying the "Wisconsin Idea" by bridging academic knowledge with public service. The conversation concludes with a vital call to action for individuals and small businesses to move past digital complacency and adopt proactive habits like using password vaults and unique passphrases.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:https://www.uwosh.edu/cybersecurity-center/
Transcribe →
Episode 174: Sandy Drexler - Executive Director of Tri-County Dental
Jan 2401:40:47Tap to summarizeGet to know Sandy Drexler. In this episode of "The Kosh" podcast, Sandy Drexler, the Executive Director of Tri County Dental Clinic, discusses the vital connection between oral health and overall physical well-being. Drexler details her professional journey from English major to nonprofit leader, emphasizing her commitment to community service and the clinic’s mission to provide free care to low-income veterans and children. The conversation highlights the "long game" of dental hygiene, advocating for preventative habits and reducing sugar intake to avoid systemic diseases. Ultimately, the conversation serves as an inspiring call to action, blending holistic health advice with a celebration of the human connection and social support systems found within the Fox Cities region.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:https://tricountydental.org/
Transcribe →
Episode 173: Liz Cannon, Ph.D & Amney Castaneda, Ph.D - Somewhere Over the Moon Trainings
Jan 802:01:05Tap to summarizeGet to know Liz Cannon, Ph.D & Amney Castaneda, Ph.D.This podcast episode features Dr. Liz Cannon and Dr. Amney Castaneda, the founders of Somewhere Over the Moon Trainings. They discuss their career-long dedication to LGBTQ+ advocacy and education. The conversation explores the shifting landscape of higher education and social justice, highlighting how storytelling serves as a vital tool for fostering human connection and empathy. Through their business, the guests provide specialized training in mental health, suicide prevention, and facilitating difficult dialogues, emphasizing that hope and joy are radical, necessary acts of defiance in a polarized climate. Ultimately, the episode serves as an elegant call for community support and active listening, urging listeners to embrace their neighbors' stories to bridge cultural divides.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:https://somewhereoverthemoon.training/
Transcribe →
Episode 172: Molly Smiltneek - Immigration Lawyer
Dec 2001:53:05Tap to summarizeGet to know Molly Smiltneek.This episode features Molly Smiltneek, an immigration attorney and school board member, to discuss her multifaceted role in the Oshkosh community. The conversation highlights Smiltneek’s transition from a special education advocate—driven by her children's experience with dyslexia—to a systemic leader focused on literacy equity and student representation. A significant portion of the dialogue explores the current challenges of immigration, emphasizing the erosion of legal paths, the humanitarian impact on refugee families, and the vital importance of maintaining a sense of belonging for all residents. Through personal anecdotes and social justice insights, Molloy provides a deep dive into the intersection of local governance and global crises, urging listeners to actively participate in building a more empathetic and inclusive community.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:
Transcribe →
Episode 171: Chu May Paing, Ph.D. - Executive Director of Winnebago Area Literacy Council
Nov 2601:58:03Tap to summarizeGet to know Dr. Chu May Paing.This episode features an insightful interview with Dr. Chu May Paing, a cultural anthropologist and the Executive Director of the Winnebago Area Literacy Council (WALC). Dr. Chu discusses her personal history as a first-generation immigrant from Myanmar and emphasizes WALC's vital mission in serving the Fox Cities region's substantial refugee and immigrant population with critical resources like English and citizenship classes. A key thematic focus centers on the need to expand educational understanding beyond traditional methods to embrace concepts like digital literacy and civic literacy to better navigate modern society. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Chu stresses the emotional toll and bureaucratic complexity of the legal immigration process, urging listeners to approach all newcomers with genuine empathy and welcoming spirit by attending community events like the Immigration Learning Circles.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:https://winlit.org/
Transcribe →
Episode 170: Tina Haffeman - Community Change Maker
Oct 3002:25:05Tap to summarizeGet to know Tina Haffeman.This episode features Tina Haffeman, an influential community activist from the Oshkosh area. The conversation begins with Haffeman’s deep involvement in local social justice initiatives. A major theme explored is the struggle to establish resources like the Day-by-Day Shelter, highlighting the pervasive issue of "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBYism), and Haffeman's "prickly" tenacity in overcoming it. The discussion delves into the complexities of homelessness and affordable housing, stressing that systemic issues like stagnating wages, medical debt, and high rents are often the root causes, and that many people are only one crisis away from instability. Haffeman advocates for a shift beyond mere charity toward fundamental system change and emphasizes the transformative power of community connection as modeled by her work at organizations like Day-by-Day and Leaven, while also advocating for local government action, such as the proposed change to fair housing laws concerning criminal records.If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:https://daybydayshelter.org/https://leavenfoxcities.org/
Transcribe →
Episode 169: Gordon Hintz - County Executive for Winnebago County
Oct 402:02:27Tap to summarizeGet to know Gordon Hintz.This episode is a lively conversation with Gordon Hintz, the Winnebago County Executive and former state legislator. The conversation flows through discussions about the local community, personal life, and public service. A key theme emerges around Hintz's dedication to public service and his evolution from state partisan politics to a non-partisan, administrative role as County Executive, where he focuses on improving local government visibility and effectiveness. The most entertaining segment is Hintz's retelling of his unexpected victory in the 2003 US Air Guitar Championship, providing a surprising anecdote about his past life outside of politics. If you would like to send questions, shoutouts, or stories to be played in a future episode, please leave a voicemail at 920-385-5073 or email: askthekosh@gmail.comLinks:https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/
Transcribe →