Where I Come From | Milwaukee Insights

Hosted by Antonio Luckett

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Apr 2026

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Where I Come From MKE Podcast is your essential source for authentic conversations, hosted by Milwaukee native Antonio "Mr. Tonedef" Luckett. We go beyond the headlines to showcase the heart and hustle of the city, spotlighting successful small businesses, local heroes, and "dope people" making a real impact. Every episode delivers powerful, benefit-oriented content designed for your personal growth journey. We tackle the important, often profound topics that shape our lives: Mental Health & Self-Care Motivation & Affirmations Race, Gender, and Relationships The Best of Milwaukee's Thriving Culture Your journey starts here. Discover the pulse of MKE, get inspired, and feel empowered. Press play and connect with stories that inform, uplift, and motivate you one step closer to your goals. Ready to dive deeper? Subscribe so you never miss a powerful story. Rate and review us on your favorite platform—it truly helps us grow! Exclusive Resources: Visit TDRnetwork.org. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support .

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April 2, 202635 min

Milwaukee’s Future_: Can We Build a World-Class City and Equitable Healthcare

"Is Milwaukee ready for its biggest year yet?" 🏙️💉In this powerhouse episode of Where I Come From MKE, host Antonio Luckett sits down with the people actually pulling the levers of change in our city. We go inside the Mayor's office with Cavalier Johnson to break down the "Year of Housing" initiative. We ask the tough questions about housing affordability, the demolition of Northridge, and his vision for making Milwaukee a global anchor. But growth isn't just about buildings; it’s about people. Savannah Burks, founder of Lupus Has No Face, joins us for a raw, unfiltered look at the Milwaukee healthcare system. She shares her personal journey with SLE and provides a survival guide for navigating medical gaslighting and demanding the care you deserve. Inside this episode: 🏗️ The Mayor’s Roadmap: How 2026 will change the face of our neighborhoods. 🩺 Healthcare Truths: Why Savannah Burks says "staying down" for your health is a form of activism. ✊ Advocacy in Action: Practical steps for becoming a leader in your own life and community.timestamps based on the key topics discussed: * **01:00** - Introduction and Icebreaker * **01:30** - Discussion on the 2026 City Budget and Sales Tax * **05:15** - Progress on Removing Lead Service Lines * **06:20** - Economic Growth and Job Creation in Milwaukee * **08:35** - Reconciling Fiscal Discipline with Community Spending * **10:45** - 2026: The Year of Housing in Milwaukee * **12:00** - Updating the City's Zoning Code * **13:00** - Affordable and Workforce Housing Initiatives * **15:00** - Navigating Neighborhood Concerns and Growth * **16:30** - Addressing Reckless Driving and Road Safety * **19:00** - Part 2: Health, Wellness, and Invisible Illnesses (Lupus) * **21:00** - The Role of the Milwaukee Health Department * **22:00** - Importance of Immunizations for Children * **23:00** - Early Diagnosis and Access to Care in Underserved Communities * **26:30** - Supporting Nonprofits and Grassroots Organizations * **28:00** - The Power of Community Partnerships * **30:00** - Strategy for Public Safety: Accountability and Prevention * **32:30** - Closing Message: Overcoming Adversity and Life AdviceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

March 19, 20261 hr 5 min

Why Milwaukee Needs an Educational Reset: A Deep Dive with Aisha Carr

“Some systems aren’t broken — they’re designed this way.”Milwaukee doesn’t need another education reform plan — it needs a reset. In this episode of Where I Come From, Mr. Tone Deaf sits down with former MPS board member Aisha Carr for a deeply honest conversation about the realities of education politics, systemic resistance, and the personal cost of speaking truth to power. From boardroom battles and residency scandals to parenting through pandemic learning loss, homeschooling struggles, and student mental health — this episode exposes the gaps between policy and real life. 📌 If you’ve ever questioned how schools really work behind the scenes — this episode answers it. 👉 Listen. Share. Start the conversation.Because our children don’t have time for broken systems.Her rise and fall within Milwaukee Public Schools governanceThe political consequences of being a “chronic disruptor”Residency controversies and selective accountability in local politicsWhy reforming MPS from the inside is nearly impossibleGenerational wealth, financial literacy, and school‑to‑career pathwaysThe failure of one‑size‑fits‑all education modelsPandemic learning loss, homeschooling struggles, and student anxietyCultural identity, segregation, and lost neighborhood institutionsWhy Milwaukee’s education system needs a hard reset, not a band-aidThe episode blends policy critique, lived experience, parenting realities, and historical context, offering one of the most honest education conversations centered on Milwaukee in recent memory. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

March 4, 202644 min

Blinded by Pride: How to Stop Commingling Funds, Build Business Credit, and Set Real Boundaries

"What happens when the mask you wear to protect your heart becomes the very thing that keeps you trapped? Today, we’re peeling back the layers of pride, service, and the hustle of Milwaukee life with a woman who wears many hats, but only one truth.In this powerful episode of Where I Come From MKE, Antonio sits down with the multifaceted Kanini (K.MAC), a woman whose life is a testament to the "Milwaukee Grind" and the grace required to sustain it. By day, Kanini navigates the corporate world as a Business Relationship Manager; by heart, she is a community pillar serving on the boards of Running Rebels and Cutting Edge Academy.But behind the professional success and the community advocacy lies a deeply personal story of transformation. Kanini opens up about her book, Blinded By Pride: 25 Years A Clown, a raw and reflective look at how pride can keep us tethered to toxic relationships. We dive into her journey of balancing high-level career demands, caregiving for her mother, and her unwavering faith. Join us for a conversation about breaking free from the "carnival of love," setting boundaries, and finding the humbling embrace of authenticity..Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

January 22, 202622 min

Paving the Way for Black Excellence

"Entrepreneurship is everywhere right now, but how do you turn a 'hustle' into a legacy? Today, we’re talking with the woman behind Milwaukee’s biggest stage for Black-owned businesses.".In this soul-stirring episode of Where I Come From MKE, host Antonio Luckett (Mr. Tonedef) sits down with the powerhouse serial entrepreneur Rita Lee to discuss the upcoming 3rd Annual Milwaukee Black Business Expo. This isn’t just an event; it’s a movement dedicated to providing exposure for small businesses and a "leap of faith" for new entrepreneurs.Rita shares her deeply personal journey—from running restaurants for over a decade to her current mission of mentoring women and youth in the city. Together, they dive into the "grind" of 2026, the power of staying "prayed up" through business lows, and why passion must be the heartbeat of every venture. Whether you are a seasoned business owner or a "hustler" looking to go legitimate, this conversation is packed with the "jewels" you need to level up.Mark your calendars for February 28th! Join us at the Zoo Safari Conference Center from 12 PM to 4 PM for a day of networking, entertainment, and empowerment. Admission is FREE!. Don't forget to follow Rita Lee and TDR Network for more updates.Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – Intro: Season 2026 Kickoff & Meeting Rita Lee. 1:45 – The 3rd Annual Milwaukee Black Business Expo: What to Expect. 4:12 – From Restaurants to Youth Centers: Rita’s Entrepreneurial Roots 7:30 – Sold Out! Handling the Overwhelming Response of 85+ Vendors. 11:50 – Powerful Panelists: BMO Bank & Felicia Unlocked. 14:35 – Digital Communities: Moving from Facebook Groups to Skool. 18:20 – The "Hustler" vs. Entrepreneur Mindset: Staying the Course. 22:40 – Empower Kids: Teaching the Next Generation of Trades and Biz. 25:15 – Event Logistics: February 28th at the Zoo SafariThe Empowerment Group Website: theempowermentgroup.com. S&A Coaching: https://sandacoaching.com/ TDR Network: https://tdrnetwork.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

January 20, 20261 hr 7 min

A Milestone of Faith & Sobriety

What happens when you hit 1,000 days sober and God tells you to pack your bags for a city you’ve never even visited? Today, we’re reflecting on growth, grit, and the leap of faith that’s taking Tashima Dean from MKE to PHX.In this deeply moving "Reflection Episode" of Where I Come From MKE, host Antonio Luckett (Coach Tony) sits down with a TDR staple, Tashima Dean, to celebrate a monumental achievement: 1,000 days of sobriety. As Tashima prepares for a life-altering move from Milwaukee to Phoenix, Arizona, she opens up about the "combat" of anxiety, the power of unapologetic self-love, and the faith that secured her a dream career in the federal government.This isn't just a goodbye; it’s a masterclass in shifting from a "poverty mindset" to one of abundance. Tashima shares her journey from growing up in Hillside to becoming a "young grandmother" and a Recovery Resilience Coach, proving that when you let go of the wheel and let God lead, the mind eventually catches up to the heart.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

October 21, 202544 min

Common Threads: Nicole Michelle on Cancer Awareness, Healing & Fashion for a Cause

In this emotional and insightful episode of Where I Come From, Mr. Tone Deaf sits down with his close friend Nicole Michelle, a premier plus‑size model in Milwaukee, to discuss the upcoming Common Threads Fashion Show — an event created in honor of her mother, who passed away from pancreatic cancer ten years ago.Nicole shares the deeply personal story behind the event, the silent danger of pancreatic cancer, the emerging connection between trauma and breast cancer, and her mission to turn Common Threads into a full foundation dedicated to awareness, healing, and community support. If cancer has touched your life or someone you love, this episode is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

September 7, 20251 hr 32 min

From Failing Class to Owning the Block: The Real Estate Mogul of Milwaukee

🏠 From Middle School Dreamer to Milwaukee Mogul. Welcome to the Where I Come From MKE Podcast with your host, Tone. In this episode, we are joined by the unstoppable Charese Gardner—Owner of Gardner & Associates Real Estate and Co-Owner of Wall Street Stock Bar.This isn't just a success story; it's a blueprint. Charese breaks down how she went from failing geometry to mastering the real estate game, inspired by a middle school teacher who saw her potential. We dive deep into the "fear of success," the difference between an agent and a broker, and why building generational wealth is the ultimate goal.👇 IN THIS EPISODE: The Origin Story: How the rapper Trina inspired a career in Real Estate. The "Superwoman" Trap: Managing burnout while running multiple businesses. Real Estate 101: Why owning property is the key to freedom. Community: How networking at events like the Grown Woman Podcast launch changed everything.📢 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Are you an aspiring entrepreneur? What's holding you back from starting? Drop a comment below! Subscribe and hit the bell 🔔 for more real conversations from the Midwest!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

August 18, 20252 hr 4 min

Entrepreneur Balance & AI Tools: How to Manage Time and Marriage

In this episode, we throw the script out the window with the incredible Vee Taylor Tate (Author, Life Coach, & Entrepreneur). What starts as a debate about using ChatGPT and Gemini for business quickly turns into a masterclass on navigating life, relationships, and self-care.Can a busy entrepreneur EVER truly find balance? 🤯 Host of the Where I Come From MKE Podcast sits down with the amazing Vee Taylor-Tate to tackle this crucial question. We dive deep into streamlining your life, managing an energetic persona, and even drop the ULTIMATE relationship 'cheat code' you need to hear! From AI tools to marriage dynamics, this episode has the blueprint for balance.**CHAPTERS** [00:00:00] Intro & Why AI Is Your New Best Friend [00:05:33] Welcome, Miss Vee Taylor Tate (VTT) [00:15:09] Diving Deep into Therapy & Shadow Work [00:19:16] Managing Opposite Personalities in Marriage [01:59:54] The ULTIMATE Relationship Cheat CodeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

June 1, 202528 min

Milwaukee's Musical Gem: An Interview with Kaprice Maxwell

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)

May 5, 2025Episode 641 hr 18 min

Trials,Tribulations & TedTalks with Special Guest Mickell Dent

Where I come from MKE: Trials, Tribulations & TedTalks with Special Guest Mickell DentIn this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey of GLOW (Girls Learning to Become Outstanding Women) and explore the exciting development of the new platform, Instaglow. Join us as we discuss the importance of authenticity, mental health hurdles, and community support's impact. Mickell shares her profound experiences that shaped her mission to empower young women and the upcoming TED Talk addressing the masks we wear and their hidden costs. We also introduce the upcoming podcast featuring candid discussions between couples navigating relationship dynamics and personal growth. This episode is packed with insights on resilience, community empowerment, and the power of connection in both personal and professional realms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/where-i-come-from-milwaukee-insights--4182610/support.The podcast is recorded and published by TDR Podcasting Network and is available on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: MrtonedefFacebook: CoachTony Luck Email: TDRLuckett@gmail.comConnect with the Network: [TDR Podcasting Network]Book a Coaching Session: [S&A Coaching]Where I Come From MKE (Spotify/Apple)