The Upswing

Hosted by Jeff Sherman, The Upswing is everything business. Jeff is a prominent figure in the business world, and is formerly the CEO and founder of OnMilwaukee, creator of the podcast series “The Hopcast,” and currently is the CMO of Okanjo. Jeff brings his expertise to The Upswing to discuss the ever-changing world of business and commerce in Milwaukee and across the state of Wisconsin.

The Upswing is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 500 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Upswing, a business show with 500 episodes published.

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  The Upswing

  “My summer break” and back to school with President Kimo

  Sep 11, 202637 min

  This month on Marquette on the Move, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman reconnects with Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun as a new academic year gets underway. Dr. Ah Yun reflects on welcoming the Class of 2030, helping first-year students find community, and what both students and parents experience during the transition to college. He also shares highlights from his summer trip to Rome, including meeting Pope Leo XIV with fellow Catholic and Jesuit university leaders and visiting the original home of Marquette’s Joan of Arc Chapel. Back in Milwaukee, the conversation turns to keeping graduates connected to the city, Marquette’s partnership with Children’s Wisconsin, plans for future campus housing, and hopes for the upcoming basketball season. ️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

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  The Upswing

  Alverno College President on Preparing Students for the Future

  Aug 28, 202637 min

  This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Alverno College President Christy Brown for a conversation about the future of higher education and Alverno’s role in greater Milwaukee. Brown discusses preparing graduates to contribute from day one, building AI and problem-solving skills, and why Alverno’s distinctive ability-based learning model remains relevant today. She also addresses the college’s financial challenges and long-term sustainability, along with new partnerships with Milwaukee-area schools and employers. Brown shares how her commitment to women in leadership and expanding access to education shapes her vision for Alverno’s future. ️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

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  The Upswing

  How Acquisitions Are Shifting Wisconsin's Manufacturing Landscape

  Aug 21, 202637 min

  This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Milwaukee Business Journal senior reporter Rich Kirchen to break down some of the biggest business stories shaping southeastern Wisconsin. They discuss the Wisconsin Center District’s search for a new CEO and what it could mean for downtown development, along with challenges at Molson Coors, UMB’s Milwaukee footprint, and recent activity involving local manufacturers. Rich and Jeff also examine the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, including whether companies like Harley-Davidson could receive refunds — and whether any savings might eventually reach consumers during the holiday season. ️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

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  The Upswing

  Best of The Upswing: Restaurants, Murals, and Natural Resources

  Aug 15, 202637 min

  This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman takes a look back at some of his favorite conversations from 2026 so far. Revisit Cheryl Nenn on Milwaukee’s push to become a swimmable city, Martin Moore on who deserves to be represented in downtown murals, and Tedd Lookatch on the collaborative spirit that gives Milwaukee an edge. The show also returns to Steve “Saz” Sazama’s reflections on 50 years of Saz’s, plus recent conversations with Tristen Shorter about the future of Milwaukee County Parks and Purslane chef Mary Kastman on earning national recognition for her East Side restaurant. It’s a celebration of the people, businesses and ideas helping move Milwaukee forward. ️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

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  The Upswing

  Top Local Dining and Saving Our Parks

  Aug 8, 202635 min

  This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman spotlights two Milwaukee success stories centered on long-term investment and community impact. First, Purslane chef-owner Mary Kastman discusses her restaurant’s recognition as one of America’s top Mediterranean destinations, the realities of running an independent restaurant, and why Milwaukee continues to be a great place to build a culinary business. Then, Tristen Shorter of the Milwaukee Parks Foundation shares the organization’s vision for investing $10 million in Milwaukee County Parks by 2029, expanding community engagement, and ensuring the parks remain vibrant for generations to come. Jeff also closes the show with insights into evolving social media trends and a note of gratitude following the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. ️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

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