In this episode of Philly in the Middle, host Phil Surkis meets Cha Yang, Community Experience Manager at Madison’s Goodman Community Center.

Cha shares his incredible journey—from being born in a refugee camp in Thailand after his family fled Laos, to growing up on Madison’s east side, to now giving back at the same community center that once shaped his childhood. Plus, perhaps a hot foodie take, or two. Grab some cheese curds and press play!

In this episode of Philly in the Middle, I sit down with Rachael Lee, a Middleton-by-way-of-Houston local who’s called the Madison area home for over a decade—the longest she’s lived anywhere. We talk about her musical journey from violin prodigy to piano therapy, what it means to truly stay put after years of moving, and how to navigate Madison’s special brand of weird. It’s a conversation about music, belonging, and building a “perfect Wisconsin day,” one waltz at a time.

Phil chats with accordionist, high school language teacher, and lifelong Wisconsinite Aaron Jossart. From growing up among 35 cousins in Racine to leading alt-country bands and teaching French and Spanish at East High, Aaron embodies the quirky, earnest charm of Madison’s east side. They talk Root Rivers and Clam Lakes, what Madison gets right (and wrong), and the mystery of why Aaron loves fishing—despite the blood and struggle.