Episodes

  • 24. Learning to Do-It-Yourself Like a Pro, with Betsy and Aaliyah

    24. Learning to Do-It-Yourself Like a Pro, with Betsy and Aaliyah
    Apr 24 2024
    When Betsy bought her first house a few years ago, she decided it would be a practical adventure to do some of the renovations herself. And, fortunately, she had a perfect carpenter's assistant waiting at the ready in her little sister Aaliyah. Together, they've swung hammers, worked miter saws and built noodle boards. And in the course of learning new skills and expanding their horizons, they've built a remarkable friendship as well.
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    24 mins
  • 23. Voices of the Mission: a former Little, a Big, and a Parent Share Insights with BBBS Leadership

    23. Voices of the Mission: a former Little, a Big, and a Parent Share Insights with BBBS Leadership
    Mar 27 2024
    In order to make sure that key perspectives are represented in its decision making, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee Board of Directors appoints three "Voices of the Mission" to its membership. These leaders represent the Littles, the Bigs and the parents of Littles, and help the board understand how their policy-making impacts the BBBS mission on a granular level. So in this episode, we meet the current "Voices of the Mission:" Christiana, a former Little in the program; Chloe, a current Big; and Taheréh, a parent of a Little. They'll discuss what they hope to be able to contribute to the organization, what they've learned about mentoring, and what are some of the questions they've always wanted to ask other stakeholders within the BBBS ecosystem.
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    33 mins
  • 22. Coming Out of Our Shells and Into Our Element, with Charles, Sarah and DayDay

    22. Coming Out of Our Shells and Into Our Element, with Charles, Sarah and DayDay
    Feb 28 2024
    Years ago, when they matched with their Little Brother DayDay, Charles and Sarah were taken aback by how shy he was. Now a bombastic high schooler, it suffices to say that DayDay has really come out of his shell. But with the love and support of mentors like Charles and Sarah, and dozens of horizon-expanding experiences along the way, it's no surprise that this young man has found his voice. And this trio is now celebrating their selection as BBBS of Metro Milwaukee's Couples Match of the Year.
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    20 mins
  • 21. Maddie and Briya, a Tall Order for Fast Friends

    21. Maddie and Briya, a Tall Order for Fast Friends
    Jan 31 2024
    Starting high school after the Covid pandemic was enough to make Briya cry. For a self-proclaimed introvert, all the new people and situations just seemed so overwhelming. But when she matched with Maddie through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee's Mentor 2.0 program, that all began to change. In her big sister, Briya found a new source of confidence and inspiration. She chanced upon an eager compatriot for sharing her unique cultural food heritage. She discovered a new reason to stand up just a little bit straighter. And it turns out, when you're as tall as these two are, standing up straighter can create a BIG shift in perspective!
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    21 mins
  • 20. Bro-Vember Round Table: Why Aren't There More Male Mentors in BBBS?

    20. Bro-Vember Round Table: Why Aren't There More Male Mentors in BBBS?
    Nov 29 2023
    Fellas, we've gotta have a hard talk. Because, frankly, not enough men are stepping up to the plate to volunteer as mentors with Big Brother Big Sisters. And at BBBS of Metro Milwaukee, there are hundreds of young men just sitting on the waiting list. Maybe you're scared you don't have what it takes, maybe you're afraid of the time commitment, maybe you just don't think you can make a difference. But in this episode, we're going to introduce you to Otis, JT, Glen and Joseph: four Big Brothers who are proving that one man can make a difference in the world. They'll talk about the mentoring myths that keep so many guys from volunteering, and share their own proudest moments as Big Brothers.
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    35 mins
  • 19. Lauren and Tahlia, Well-Rounded Ambitions Beyond Just Athletics

    19. Lauren and Tahlia, Well-Rounded Ambitions Beyond Just Athletics
    Oct 25 2023
    If you call Little Sister Tahlia a multi-sport athlete, she WILL correct you. She's also an artist, and an entrepreneur, and a high honor roll student, and a member of various clubs and student orgs. And, when she joined BBBS of Metro Milwaukee's Mentor 2.0 program, she hoped she was getting another life-shaping experience. She was not disappointed. As a match with her Big Sister Lauren, these two fast friends have broadened their horizons together, and turned their attention to preparing for Tahlia's next big adventure—college.
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    23 mins
  • 18. Meet BBBS of Metro Milwaukee's New CEO, Neil Willenson

    18. Meet BBBS of Metro Milwaukee's New CEO, Neil Willenson
    Sep 27 2023
    When he took the reins as BBBS of Metro Milwaukee's new CEO earlier this summer, Neil Willenson had one goal at the top of his list: Make the life-changing mentoring relationships that BBBS facilitates available to more kids in the Milwaukee area. From the caring adult mentors who shaped his own upbringing to his personal experience as a Big Brother, his unique background as a founder of other charities for young people to his grounding in the performing arts, Neil has a unique story and an unrelenting passion for youth programs. So in this episode, we take the time to get to know BBBS of Metro Milwaukee's new CEO, and learn more about his plans for the future of the organization.
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    30 mins
  • 17. Natalie and Bre, Navigating Huge Life Changes Together with a Friend

    17. Natalie and Bre, Navigating Huge Life Changes Together with a Friend
    Aug 23 2023
    Sure, Big Sister Natalie has been there for her Little Sister Bre. In seven years together, Bre has changed schools several times, including the big step up to middle school, and her family has weathered some disruptive events as well. But just as much as Natalie supports Bre, Bre is there for Natalie, too. Because in that time, Natalie got married, added a dog to her family, and then became a Mom with the birth this year of her daughter. And, as these two prove every day, going through the big events in life is better when you know someone has your back. So with their favorite season, fall, coming up, Natalie and Bre are looking ahead to making even more memories and big moments together.
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    21 mins