Backstage with Mark Metcalf

Mark Metcalf interviews local artists, musicians, filmmakers, arts administrators, writers and other members of Milwaukee’s cultural movement.

PODCAST: A view of Milwaukee on two wheels
PODCAST

A view of Milwaukee on two wheels

The city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Dave Schlabowske talks about plans for a more bike-friendly Milwaukee and the benefits of experiencing our fair city on two wheels.

PODCAST: Small behaviors, big change
PODCAST

Small behaviors, big change

Want to save the planet? Environmental stewardship begins with you. Ken Leinbach of the Urban Ecology Center talks about how simple behaviors can have a huge impact.

PODCAST: The buzz on urban beekeeping
PODCAST

The buzz on urban beekeeping

Honeybees play a vital role in the food system, but they are in peril. Today, Beepods co-founder Charlie Koenen talks about how saving the bees can potentially save the world.

PODCAST: A hen named Milwaukee
PODCAST

A hen named Milwaukee

A silkie chicken, to be exact. Today, Mark chats with "Milwaukee" and Jessica Lane of Cream City Hens about the benefits of backyard henkeeping.

PODCAST: Building communities, one garden at a time
PODCAST

Building communities, one garden at a time

Through the Victory Garden Initiative, Gretchen Mead uses urban agriculture to connect people to sustainable food sources, and in turn, to each other.

PODCAST: Domestic Violence: A survivor’s story
PODCAST

Domestic Violence: A survivor’s story

After decades of experiencing violence in the home, Jenissee Volpintesta was able to break the cycle of abuse for her family. Today, she shares her story.

PODCAST: The psychology of domestic abuse
PODCAST

The psychology of domestic abuse

How much does environment inform behavior? Social worker Cathy Arney explains how gender roles, societal messages and abuse at home affect the cycle of violence.

PODCAST: Breaking the chain of domestic violence
PODCAST

Breaking the chain of domestic violence

Daystar Inc.'s long-term transitional home offers shelter and resources to battered women, helping them to become financially stable and emotionally independent.

PODCAST: Creating a safe place for victims of domestic abuse
PODCAST

Creating a safe place for victims of domestic abuse

In 2009, domestic violence rates reached a 10-year high. In Milwaukee, the Sojourner Family Peace Center works to aid victims and end violence through education.

PODCAST: Helping students reach their true potential
PODCAST

Helping students reach their true potential

Mark talks with MPS teacher Ralph Janes about how theater and the arts are powerful tools for creating autonomous, high-achieving students.

PODCAST: Using the arts to address the whole child
PODCAST

Using the arts to address the whole child

As programs are stripped from schools, Christina Ratatori uses A.R.T. to collaborate with teachers, artists and students to get the arts back in education.

PODCAST: A “Mad Hot” approach to arts education
PODCAST

A “Mad Hot” approach to arts education

Danceworks Executive Director Deborah Farris explains how ballroom dance helps to build confidence and leadership in Milwaukee's underprivileged students.