By David “Coal” Colath of WKRP
Since launching in August 2020, the K-Town Connects Podcast has grown from a grassroots passion project into one of Kenosha’s most consistent platforms for local storytelling, civic engagement, and community connection.
Hosted by lifelong Kenoshans Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman, K-Town Connects is built on a simple idea: sit down, listen, and let people tell their stories — not just about their work, but about their lives and their connection to Kenosha.
“You don’t really know a community until you sit down and listen to the people who live and work in it.”
How It Started: A Podcast Born in 2020
K-Town Connects premiered on August 20, 2020, during a period of unrest and uncertainty in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Rather than pause, Stancato and Hedman leaned in — continuing conversations when many parts of the city felt fractured. What began casually quickly took on purpose, becoming a consistent space for reflection, dialogue, and connection.
“Every episode is a snapshot of Kenosha at that moment in time.”
Finding a Home for the Mic: The Evolution of the K-Town Connects StudioLike the conversations themselves, the physical home of K-Town Connects has evolved over time.
2026 (Season 8) — A new, dedicated recording studio opens in the Southport Tea Building (formerly S.J. Crystals).
August 2020 — The first four episodes were recorded at Dakini Healing Arts / The Teaching Kitchen
2020–2021 — Several early episodes were recorded at Faded Barbershop for Men.
2020–2023 — A long-term recording home at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, thanks to Jake Ziiccarelli, where the show found its rhythm and consistency.
December 2023 — Recording moved to the Venn Building (now Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods).
“The locations may have changed, but the goal never did — create a comfortable space where people can tell their stories.”
The Format: Comfortable, Consistent, Conversational
Each episode runs about an hour and features:
- A relaxed, free-flowing conversation
- Stories about life, work, and Kenosha
- A guest-specific trivia segment.
Voices of Kenosha: Guests Over Seven Seasons
Across seven seasons, K-Town Connects has featured a wide range of voices from throughout the community, including business owners, artists, musicians, educators, civic leaders, and cultural figures
Notable guests include:
Koerri Elijah; Lenny Palmer (WLIP); Kevin Ervin (Frank’s Diner); Angie & Ben (Union Park Tavern); Mayor John Antaramian; Alderperson Anthony Kennedy; Lou Rugani; Rob Greskoviak (Villa D’Carlo); Laura Gregorski (Visit Kenosha) Riki Tagliapietra; Hillard Wozniel (Hill’s Hot Rod Hideout); Dr. Dale Destruction; Craig Pias (The Port of Kenosha Beverage House); Steve Casey (Casey Family Options); Alvin Owens (Regimen Barber Collective); Jimmy Pruett (The Interlude); Daniel Gaitan; Tod Ohnstad; Anna Pitts; DeShaun Foster; Nick & Tony Chiappetta; Betsy Ade; Candy Eisenhauer; Frank J. Parise; Chelsea Sallese; Frank Carmichael (Happenings Magazine); Dino Katris (Mr. Yee’s); Michael Ventura (Mars Cheese Castle); and Michelle Pedicone (58 Below).
Beyond the Podcast: Live Events & Fundraising
K-Town Connects Christmas Carol Live (2021)
Recorded live at Fusion, this special event raised over $7,000 for Walkin’ In My Shoes, helping provide holiday support to local Kenosha families.
Guest Bartending for Lemon Street Gallery & Art Space (2021)
In 2021, the K-Town Connects hosts stepped behind the bar as guest bartenders for a fundraising event benefiting Lemon Street Gallery & Art Space, raising $716 in support of the nonprofit’s mission to promote local arts and artists.
Let’s Day Drink for Planned Parenthood! (2023)
Held at the Wyndham Garden Harborside Hotel, this K-Town Connects fundraiser raised $1,845 for Planned Parenthood.
Bronze Al Molinaro Poker Walk (2023)
K-Town Connects assisted in raising a portion of the funds for the Bronze Al Molinaro statue, now fully funded and scheduled to be installed at The Port of Kenosha in spring 2026.
On the Mic & On the Stage: Community Hosting and Commentary
Beyond podcasting, Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman have served as emcees and live commentators for three consecutive years — and counting — at the Bronze Al fundraiser during The Port Grand Prix.
Their role extends the podcast’s mission beyond recorded episodes, helping guide live programming, introduce speakers, and keep crowds engaged during one of Kenosha’s largest waterfront events.
Showing Up: Community Participation
In addition to hosting and fundraising, K-Town Connects regularly participates in local events throughout the years, including:
- The St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Go Downtown Kenosha clean-up events
- Community celebrations such as The Frolic at Frank’s Diner
These appearances reflect the show’s philosophy that community connection doesn’t stop when the microphones turn off.
Know Your Vote:
In February 2024, K-Town Connects organized the Know Your Vote mayoral candidate forum at the Rhode Center for the Arts, drawing hundreds of attendees for an evening focused on civic education and open dialogue.
Looking Ahead: Season 8 (2026)
Season 8 marks a major milestone for K-Town Connects, with:
- Live podcast recordings at local venues
- A brand-new dedicated recording studio
- The celebration of the podcast’s 200th episode
The K-Town Connects Live Tour: Season 8 Takes the Show on the Road
Season 8 doesn’t just mark a new chapter for K-Town Connects — it takes the podcast beyond the studio and directly into the community.
The K-Town Connects Live Tour kicks off in late January, bringing live, unfiltered conversations to some of Kenosha’s most iconic bars, breweries, and gathering spaces. Each stop features in-depth interviews, local storytelling, audience energy, and the unmistakable spirit that has defined the podcast for seven seasons.
Stop #1: 58 Below
Saturday, January 31 | 1–4 PM
The tour launches at 58 Below with hosts Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman sitting down live with Braxton Molinaro of KAPA Repertory Theatre for an engaging conversation about creativity, theatre, growing up in Kenosha, and what it takes to build a career on a national stage — all in an intimate, laid-back setting.
Molinaro is currently preparing for KAPA Repertory Theatre’s upcoming production of AStreetcar Named Desire, playing February 20–22, 2026 atCirca on 7th for a limited three-performance engagement, and will share insight into the production, the creative process, and what audiences can expect from the highly anticipated staging. Tickets are available at www.kaparep.com.
The hosts will also chat with 58 Below owner Michelle Pedicone to get the inside scoop on one of downtown’s coolest bars.
Drink Specials:
$2 Miller Lite bottles
$2 Apple Shots
Stop #2: The Port of Kenosha Beverage House
Monday, February 9 | 6 PM
The live tour continues at The Port with special guest Chelsea Vecchione, owner of The Final Girl, Kenosha’s horror‑themed bar at 7546 Sheridan Road. Opened in late 2024, The Final Girl immerses guests in a slasher‑movie‑inspired atmosphere with horror décor, themed events like drag bingo and dark comedy nights, creative collaborations on food, and a strong focus on inclusivity and community. (milwaukeerecord.com)
Jason and Donny will also sit down with Craig Pias, owner of The Port, to discuss what’s new at the bar and the upcoming installation of the Bronze Al Molinaro statue, scheduled for spring 2026.
Learn more at thefinalgirlbar.com.
Stop #3: Union Park Tavern
Saturday, February 28 | 3 PM
Live and uncensored from Union Park Tavern, this stop features a stacked lineup of guests and conversations.
Drink Specials:
$3 Jameson
$3 Miller Lite bottles
Main Guest:
Luke Olson — Kenosha native, songwriter, and frontman of The Walters, the indie band behind the global hit I Love You So. Olson will discuss his newly released solo album I Said Love, life on the road, and the role Kenosha has played in his journey from Midwest house shows to international stages.
Also joining the show are Chelsea and Jenna, hosts of the brand-new Co-Parenting Chronicles Podcast — a raw, honest, and often hilarious look at blended families, boundaries, and real-life parenting chaos.
Chelsea is a former K-Town Connects guest, longtime fan of the podcast, and owner of Salese & Co., making this a full-circle K-Town Connects moment.
The hosts will also catch up with Angie and Ben, owners of Union Park Tavern, to talk about what’s new at the bar, Ben’s re-election campaign for Wisconsin State Assembly (65th District), and the upcoming 10-year anniversary of Union Park Tavern’s annual Oktoberfest event, happening September 19–20.
And yes — listeners can expect a few hints about the upcoming K-Town Connects 200th episode celebration.
Stop #4: Public Brewing Company
Tuesday, March 10 | 6 PM
At Public Brewing Company, K-Town Connects goes behind the scenes with Executive ChefJosh Rains and General Manager Rex Kelly to talk craft beer, food, hospitality, and what makes Public one of Kenosha’s go-to destinations — plus their personal connections to the city.
Final Stop: Frank’s Diner
Saturday, March 21 | 4–8 PM
The Live Tour wraps up inside one of Kenosha’s most iconic landmarks — Frank’s Diner.
The hosts will sit down with Chuck Nelson, owner of Rustic Road Brewing Company and one of the newest board members of the Lakeshore Business Improvement District, to talk craft beer, community involvement, and Rustic Road’s Lakeside Oktoberfest.
They’ll also reconnect with longtime friends of the show, Kevin Ervin and Julie Rittmiller, owners of Frank’s Diner, for a conversation about food, legacy, and what it’s like to own one of the most iconic diners in the country.
And because it wouldn’t be a K-Town event without surprises, the finale includes a special appearance by viral foodie Scott Dooley.
Will he attempt the legendary Red Man Challenge?
Will he try to sell you a car from CarBox?
You’ll have to be there to find out.
Seating is limited. Drinks will be available for purchase. More details coming soon.
Why It Matters
Seven seasons in, K-Town Connects has become more than a podcast — it’s an evolving audio archive of Kenosha’s people, places, and moments in time.
“Consistency is what turns a podcast into a community archive.”
One conversation at a time, the story of Kenosha continues to be told.
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Written & bitten by David “Coal” Colath of WKRP
Ktown Connects 