The Lantern with Dr. Ryan Martin

In this episode of The Lantern, host Ryan Martin sits down with UW–Green Bay assistant professor and documentary filmmaker Justin Kavlie. With a background that spans psychology, media production, and a PhD in communication, Justin shares how curiosity and a desire for deeper connection led him from the business world back into the classroom. Ryan and Justin explore the role of storytelling in film, the importance of hands-on creativity, and why giving students the freedom to experiment can unlock powerful learning. Drawing on his work in documentary filmmaking and his passion for mentorship, Justin reflects on how stories—especially those rooted in overlooked communities—can create impact far beyond the screen.

In this episode of The Lantern, host Ryan Martin sits down with Dr. Jenene Calloway, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Schreiber Foods and founder of the Calloway Leadership Collective. With a background in industrial-organizational psychology and global leadership, Jenene brings both academic insight and real-world experience to her work developing leaders and strengthening organizations.Ryan and Jenene explore how values are shaped across generations, why today’s young people inspire her optimism, and what it means to lead with clarity in a complex world. Drawing on personal stories—from her mother’s civil rights activism to lessons learned from her own children—Jenene reflects on the power of doing what’s right, even when it’s simple.With a perspective grounded in both research and lived experience, she shares why the future of leadership depends on courage, accountability, and a commitment to lifting others along the way.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RUYC_bO-_-ALearn more

In this episode of The Lantern, host Ryan Martin sits down with UW–Green Bay associate dean and writing professor Dr. Jennie Young, creator of the Burned Haystack Dating Method. Drawing on her background in rhetoric and discourse studies, Jennie applies critical thinking and communication analysis to the world of modern dating. Ryan and Jennie explore how online dating culture has evolved, why Gen Z gives her hope, and how learning to filter signal from noise on dating apps can help people build healthier relationships. With insights that blend scholarship, humor, and real-world experience, Jennie explains why sometimes the best way to find the right match might just be to burn the haystack. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Watch on YouTube Learn more

“We’re here to serve.” That belief has guided DeDe Heid from her early days as a student leader at UW–Green Bay to her role today as president of Heid Music, a 75-year family business employing more than 90 people across Wisconsin. In this episode of The Lantern, DeDe shares how a small-town upbringing, a deep love of community, and a willingness to lean in shaped her path. From walking on to the softball team and becoming Speaker of the Student Senate to building a career in sales, advocacy, and national leadership within NAMM and Women of NAMM, her story is rooted in service–too customers, to colleagues, to students, and to the broader community. DeDe also reflects on why music is more than a product–it’s a connector, a healer, and a force for belonging. She discusses the research-backed power of music to strengthen brain health, the importance of arts advocacy, and her commitment to lifting others into leadership roles. No matter what she is doing or who she is working with, her focus is the same: create opportunities, build harmony, and leave communities stronger than you found them. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Watch on YouTube Learn more

Keifer Sykes has played in the NBA and across the globe, but some of his most formative years happened right here at UW-Green Bay. From arriving on campus at just 17 years old to becoming a two-time Horizon League Player of the Year and eventually seeing his jersey rise to the rafters, Keifer reflects on the work, belief, and community that shaped him. In this episode of The Lantern, he shares how discipline, meditation, and mentorship fueled his journey from Chicago’s inner city to international champion.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTubeLearn more

Former Congressman and UW-Green Bay practitioner-in-residence Reid Ribble joins The Lantern to talk about truth-telling in an age of outrage, misinformation, and misplaced incentives. From social media, to Congress, to the classroom, Ribble reflects on leadership, failure, and why the next generation may be America’s greatest hope.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTubeLearn more

In this episode of The Lantern, UW–Green Bay alum and marketing instructor Brad Zima reflects on the winding path that led him from engineering, to radio broadcasting, to higher education, and eventually to hosting his own podcast – Rooted Wisconsin. Brad and Ryan explore how gratitude, curiosity, and responsibility shape our willingness to take risks, how personal brand is built when you’re not in the room, and why long-form conversation still matters in a short-attention world.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTubeLearn more about The LanternLearn more about Rooted Wisconsin

What does great leadership really look like? According to Pam Roecker, it starts with authenticity, confidence, and being willing to take risks. In this episode of The Lantern, the UW-Green Bay alum and current Dean of Athletics at Regis College shares lessons on networking, personal branding, career pivots, and why “it’s not who you know — it’s who knows you.” A must-listen for students navigating what comes next.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTubeLearn more

In this episode of The Lantern, host Ryan Martin sits down with Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, to discuss fiscal responsibility, political polarization, and the importance of curiosity in public life. MacGuineas explains why growing federal deficits matter for everyday Americans, how borrowing today shapes opportunities for younger generations, and why bipartisanship is essential to solving long-term challenges. Along the way, she reflects on her own career journey, the value of changing your mind, and why asking genuine questions may be one of the most powerful tools we have right now.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Watch on YouTube Support on Patreon Learn more 

This week on The Lantern, Host Ryan Martin sits down with Otis Day, longtime radio personality and host of KISS FM Mornings with Otis, Katie, and Nick. Otis opens up about learning to choose positivity, navigating burnout, leaving radio after decades, and the surprising path that brought him back. He shares stories about his mom’s influence, his chaotic first internship, the power of surrounding yourself with good people, and why joy at work is both a mindset and a practice. Funny, thoughtful, and full of heart, this episode reminds us that change is possible at any point in life.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Watch on YouTube Support on Patreon Learn more 

In this episode of The Lantern, Ryan sits down with actor, comedian, and UW-Green Bay alum Mary Gallagher, whose career includes appearances on Friends, How I Met Your Mother, The West Wing, Flightplan, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Mary shares the unexpected path that led her from a quiet, artistic childhood in Wisconsin to the stages of Second City and the studios of Los Angeles.Through stories about bold choices, early heartbreaks (including a memorable Sam Kinison opener), and transformative moments with icons like Jodie Foster, Mary reflects on the power of presence, worthiness, and healing through the arts. She also discusses her shift toward coaching, the emotional depth she discovered in stand-up, and the joy she finds teaching creativity to children.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Watch on YouTube Support on Patreon Learn more 

In this episode of The Lantern, host Ryan Martin sits down with Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich to talk about public service, community, and what it means to lead with curiosity. From his start in local government to his ongoing work strengthening connections between the city and its people, Mayor Genrich reflects on what drives him—his deep roots in Green Bay, a belief in the power of collaboration, and the everyday inspiration he finds in the people around him. Together, they discuss mentorship, political life, civic engagement, and why “being a regular person” might just be the key to great leadership.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Watch on YouTube Support on Patreon Learn more 

Dr. Alison Jane Martingano believes most people are good — not perfect, not flawless, but genuinely trying their best. And she’s got the research to prove it.In this episode, host Dr. Ryan Martin chats with Dr. Martingano, assistant professor of psychology and head of UW–Green Bay’s Social Research Lab, about what empathy really means, why it’s so hard (but so worth it), and how things like books, conversations, and even a little curiosity can make us better at understanding each other.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Watch on YouTube Support on Patreon Learn more 

Corey Behnke has produced the worldwide New Year’s Eve broadcast in Times Square for more than a decade, co-founded Cheesehead TV for Green Bay Packers fans, and now finds new passion tending a pollinator garden across from Lambeau Field. In this episode of The Lantern, Corey joins host Ryan Martin to talk about risk, resilience, and the creative drive that connects livestreams, sports, and soil.Find Corey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreybehnke/🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Watch on YouTube Support on Patreon Learn more 

In this episode of The Lantern, host Ryan Martin talks with Barb LaMue, President and CEO of New North, Inc., about her journey from growing up on a family farm to leading economic development across 18 counties in Northeast Wisconsin. Barb shares the story of her grandparents’ immigration, her passion for mentoring veteran-, women-, and diverse-owned businesses, and the programs she leads to connect talent, startups, and communities. Her insights on opportunity, resilience, and giving back highlight how personal values and professional missions can align to create lasting impact.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTubeSupport on PatreonLearn more

In this episode of The Lantern, Adam Kinzinger – former Congressman of Illinois' 16th District and Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard – joins Ryan Martin for a candid conversation about standing alone, pushing through doubt, and what it really means to lead with integrity. From imposter syndrome to national unity, Kinzinger reflects on the personal cost of breaking with his party and why he still believes the next generation can rebuild our politics—if they’re willing to do it differently.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTubeSupport on PatreonLearn more

In this episode of The Lantern Podcast, Dr. Ryan Martin sits down with Brian Johnson, CEO and driving force behind On Broadway — a dynamic local organization where vision, creativity, and community come together. Discover how Brian overcame unique challenges, built his platform from the ground up, and continues to spark positive change right here in Green Bay.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTube ⁠Support on Patreon⁠⁠Learn more⁠

In this episode of The Lantern, Dr. Ryan Martin talks withChris Kimbrough—former police officer turned entrepreneur, community leader,and owner of Starz Barber and Beauty. Chris shares how his journey from badgeto barbershop was fueled by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to givingback. From building a business where clients become family to hosting GreenBay’s All Starz Youth Celebration, his story is about turning struggle intoservice and using every cut as a chance to uplift others.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTube ⁠Support on Patreon⁠⁠Learn more⁠

In this premiere episode of The Lantern, Dr. Ryan Martin sits down with Jyll Everman, Owner and Executive Chef at Gather on Broadway and Host for Fox 11 Living, to explore what it means to start from the ground up. From her path from culinary school to reality TV to building a business from scratch, this conversation is full of stories about resilience, discovery, and transformation.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories from Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.Watch on YouTubeSupport on PatreonLearn more