Open Record

Latest Episodes:

E417: The Menace Unravels Jul 02, 2026

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A self-described 'menace to society' is back in jail facing ten criminal cases filed by nine different police departments. Daniel Berczyk has been charged with more than 100 crimes in his adult life. He's 50 years old. This week on Open Record, Carl Deffenbaught and Jenna Sachs lead Bryan Polcyn through his latest investigation. Hear why Berczyk has become a recurring character in Bryan's investigations. And why the so-called 'Moving Menace' appears to be dodging charges in what may be his most serious investigation yet.

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E416: World Cup; Live at Moran's Pub Jun 26, 2026

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Open Record took its talents down to South Milwaukee! In first ever live podcast, Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn are joined by Howie Magner, former managing editor of Milwaukee Magazine, to talk about the FIFA World Cup 2026™ from the Moran’s pub Block party. You’re about some of the big moments from the tournament so far, predictions for the United States in the knockout stage, and who our hosts think will win the World Cup.

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E415: All Slaves Are Free Jun 18, 2026

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On June 19th, 1865 -- nearly 3 full years after President Abraham Lincoln's emancipation proclamation declared the abolition of slavery in the United States -- federal soldiers rode into Galvetson, Texas, to annouce "all slaves are free." This week on Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Bria Jones talk to orgainzers of Milwaukee's 55th Juneteenth celebration, who say it is "not just Black history, it's American history." Hear how a pair of young professionals are bringing Juneteenth awareness to a new generation on social media. And why Wisconsin is one of just 18 states that does not consider Juneteenth a state holiday.

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E414: Behind the Big Gig Jun 11, 2026

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Scott Ziel was driving to pick up his daughter from choir when the phone rang. On the other end of the line -- Garth Brooks! The Vice-President of Entertainment for Summerfest tells the story of how they snagged the country rock legend as we preview the 58th iteration of the World's Largest Music Festival. Bryan and Carl are also joined by Summerfest marketing director Jerrod Woods. Hear how they landed this year's biggest artists, why they're fully committed to the three-weekend format, and why Bryan can't wait for the new pretzel charcuterie board.

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E413: Pulling Out Hairs May 28, 2026

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Hundreds of thousands of Americans lose their hair every year while undergoing cancer treatment. In this week's episode, Carl and Bryan talk to Contact6's Jenna Sachs about a relatively new cold therapy treatment that's helping women (and men) protect their hair from chemotherapy drugs. Jenna shares one woman's story after she was told insurance would not cover the treatment. Plus, a small business owner speaks out about worsening delays by the US Postal Service.

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E412: The World Unites May 21, 2026

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FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a newly-expanded field of 48 countries competing in 104 matches, all broadcast on FOX and FS1. In this week's episode, Carl and Bryan talk to Green Bay native and former US Men's National Team defenseman Jay DeMerit. They also catch up with Raj Saha, former GM of the Milwaukee Bucks arena, Fiserv Forum, now a key executive helping 16 stadiums in 3 countries prepare for the biggest sports tournament in the world.

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E411: Brew City Beagles May 14, 2026

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As rescues and shelters near the end of their mission to remove 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms, some of the newly freed dogs are already adapting to new homes. On this week's episode, Bryan, Carl and Jenna talk to a New York fitness influencer who was tackled and arrested during the April 18 raid on Ridglan and now has a Ridglan rescue dog of her own. They also catch up with one of the first Milwaukee area families to foster a Ridglan beagle. Plus, in our Off the Record segment, what's something you've lost that turned up again in the most unusual way? The tale of a daring save at Niagara Falls.

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E410: Street Takeovers May 07, 2026

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Street takeovers are surging across Milwaukee—and they’re becoming more dangerous, more coordinated, and harder to stop. In this episode of Open Record, Bryan Polcyn and Bill Miston break down what these chaotic events really look like on the ground, how social media is fueling their growth, and the troubling criminal elements now tied to some of the key suspects. Bryan and Bill are joined by two members of the Milwaukee Common Council to talk about how to tackle the problem. Plus, an update on the Ridglan Farms beagle rescue and what’s next in that ongoing story.

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E409: Ridglan Beagles Freed May 01, 2026

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Hundreds of Ridglan Farms beagles born into confinement and destined for science labs are getting a second chance at life. Two large non-profit animal welfare organizations announced Thursday, April 30th, that they inked a deal to purchase 1,500 beagles from the Dane County breeder. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn, Carl Deffenbaugh and Sara Smith discuss the extraordinary events of the past six weeks that led up to the high-stakes negotiation, what a pharmaceutical industry group says about the future of animal testing, and how the Wisconsin Humane Society plans to get 150 of the dogs ready for fostering and adoption.

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E408: Take Shelter Now Apr 16, 2026

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Severe weather awareness week has more than lived up to its name as southeastern Wisconsin has been bombarded by repeated rounds of dangerous storms, tornadoes and flooding. This week on Open Record, Carl and Bryan ask FOX6 Weather Expert Rob Haswell how weather warnings have changed and why you should never rely on sirens alone. Plus, Dr. Jeannette Sutton shares how emergency alerts are evolving with new technology. Plus, the 5 key things that every emergency alert should contain and what you should do when you get one.

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