Sun Prairie Rising Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 74 - Sunshine Place Funding Request (and more) Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Really hope everyone has a chance to listen to this one...No guest on this episode of What Are We Building?, but I had plenty to talk about...

Neighborhood resistance to a new condo development near East
Changes to the Comprehensive Plan & Economic Development
Indoor Pickleball?
Questions about the investigation at Sun Prairie West
(MOST IMPORTANTLY) Pending funding request for Sunshine Place

If you don't have time for the whole thing, cue it up to 43:30, listen for 6 minutes and (PLEASE) write an e-mail to: councilandmayor@cityofsunprairie.com

Episode 73: Sunshine Anderson; Sun Prairie Museum Programming & Design Coordinator Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

I started off with a bit of a rant after the latest round of Facebook whining about the possibility of new development at a location near QBE. Then I had the great joy of talking with Sunshine Anderson - They are the Museum Programming & Design Coordinator for Sun Prairie's Historical Library and Museum. We had a great conversation about a bunch of great stuff, from their love of History to LGBTQ issues, including Sun Prairie's Pride Fest (coming up on Saturday June 28th) and Drag Shows!

Plus, updates on what's happening Downtown related to the arts (like the new Murals) and new businesses coming into the Monarch on Main building.

Episode 72: City Council Alder Cassi Benedict Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

We're kicking off June with a new episode of "What Are We Building?" To start, I shared some thoughts and reflections around my handling of the interview and comments from City Council Alder Mike Jacobs, before giving an update on some new businesses coming to town.

Then, I had a lovely conversation with Alder Cassi Benedict where she shared her experience serving on City Council and working with city staff. Among other things, we talked about the importance of respectful communication, how stop signs are more complicated than you might think, the upcoming referendum, and balancing the community's needs vs wants.

Episode 71: Sun Prairie Alder Mike Jacobs Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

A native of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area, Sun Prairie Alder Mike Jacobs has never been shy about speaking his mind. We talked about the new newly elected mayor and alders, and some blowback to his recent comments related to the importance of experience on City Council.

We also got into his education and background as a historian and professor at UW Platteville Baraboo-Sauk County, being Catholic, and teaching about controversial subjects like the KKK and Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Plus, I open the show with some updates of ongoing projects being built in Sun Prairie and thoughts on how Trump's tariffs will affect the "little guy."

Episode 70: Faustina Bohling, Sun Prairie Alder, Bohling Consulting Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

After a few month hiatus, What Are We Building is BACK! Coming out of the gate HOT with blistering commentary on how Trump/Musk/DOGE, Cash Money, USAID, and Christian Values. Then, Andy talks with former Sun Prairie Alder Faustina Bohling about her time on the City Council and why (contrary to what you may have heard) supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a GOOD thing.

Episode 69 - Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent of Sun Prairie School District Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

This month's guest is Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent of the Sun Prairie School District. Naturally, we talked about the referendum, teacher pay, and the overall goals and accountability for the administration.

Regardless of your opinion on the Referendum, I would encourage you to listen with an open mind and, if you still have questions, reach out to the district for answers.

I also talked at the top of the show about the new Johnson Financial location, as well as several new ethnic grocery stores.

Episode 68 - Jennifer Lee, Owner of Faded Roots Jul 14, 2024

Show notes

This month Andy's guest is Jennifer Lee of Faded Roots boutique. They talked about being a small business entrepeneur selling eclectic fashion, as well as her experience moving to a new location and restoring a historic church downtown.
Plus, Andy opened the show with some additional thoughts on the 1 Communications Dr site, as well a political endorsement and some events around town!

Episode 67 - Regina Vidaver, Candidate for Dane County Executive Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Let's have more PhD's running for office please! On this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Regina Vidaver, Candidate for Dane County Executive. From graduate school at UW to public health policy, we discussed her experience during the Covid pandemic and resettling Afghan refugees, as well as her time on the Madison City Council providing no-interest loans for child care and championing the Madison Public Market. Plus, I shared my thoughts on why the Plan Commission's recent decision around the Black Men's Coalition housing project was a mistake.

Episode 67: Wes Sparkman, Candidate for Dane County Executive Apr 27, 2024

Show notes

On a new episode of "What Are We Building?" Andy had the great pleasure of speaking with Wes Sparkman, currently the Director of The Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion in Dane County, and candidate for Dane County Executive. They had a terrific conversation about Wes's journey from Chicago, to UW and the LaFollette school, to ultimately serving the community in a myraid of ways, including over 25 years in State and County Government. Wes is a dedicated public servant, who believes government can be an efficient, effective, force for positive change. Give it a listen!

Episode 66: (NOT) Dana Pellebon Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

I was supposed to speak with Dana Pellebon, who is running for Dane County Executive, but unfortunately she didn't show up for the interview. Instead, it's an all-Andy show and gave me a chance to yammer on about the proposal for Downtown at Bristol & Main, Sun Prairie's efforts to be more sustainable, and the decision to replace the St Mary's ER with a new surgery center.

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