By David Coal 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 Studio
Like the conversations themselves, the physical home of K-Town Connects has evolved over time.
- August 2020 — The first four episodes were recorded at Daikin Healing Arts / The Teaching Kitchen, 5603 Sixth Avenue.
- 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).
- 2026 (Season 8) — A new, dedicated recording studio opens in the Southport Tea building (formerly S.J. Crystals).
“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
Guests aren’t rushed or boxed into soundbites — the format prioritizes comfort and authenticity over polish.
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); 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 KTown 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 year, including:
- The St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Go Downtown Kenosha clean-up day
- Community celebrations such as Frolic at Frank’s Diner
These appearances reflect the show’s philosophy that community connection doesn’t stop when the microphones turn off.
Civic Engagement: 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 more than hundreds in 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
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.
Listen on your podcast provider.
Spotify – Apple Podcast – Youtube
Written by David Coal of WKRP
Ktown Connects 