Welcome to Episode 3 of the I Love Madison Show! The launch last week was successful, with tons of Madison residents excited about the show, the connection events around town and the upcoming events in January! This week, Neil Mathweg interviews guest Diana Lawinger, the “Godfather” of the I Love Madison Show to talk about business networking events in the Madison area. Chris Sorenson shares the “Meetup of the Week,” and Chris Reese interviews guest John McNary, who shares how he transitioned to Madison and why he never left. All this and more in this episode of I Love Madison! Neil Mathweg shares what’s ahead on the I Love Madison Show Neil Mathweg kicks off today's episode with some information on events starting in January, like the Madison Food Tournament. There are so many great places to eat around Madison, the show hosts thought it would be a great idea to let you vote on your favorite places! The food tournament kicks off in January, so stay tuned for more information. Neil Mathweg is also excited about The Game of Magnets, also launching in January. This is a fun way for the community to get involved with the I love Madison show and win some great prizes! Check out episodes 1-2 for more information on the Game of Magnets! Chris Sorenson hosts the “Meetup of the Week” segment This week, Chris Sorenson highlights FRIENDS WANTED, Madison's only "unclub." Celeste Luzzio organized this group to encourage people to form platonic friendships around Madison. The group has 3000 members and meets every 2nd and 4th Friday in the evening, and every Tuesday morning when possible. Check out their calendar (link in the resources below) to get the latest updates. Chris Reese hosts the “My Move” segment with guest Jon Mcnary Chris Reese interviews Jon McNary, a Madison resident who moved his family here nearly six years ago to start a church. Initially, Jon says he was a bit apprehensive to move because he heard it was always cold in Madison. After arriving, Jon and his family fell in love with the culture and the small-town vibe. Jon says he didn’t have any trouble connecting to people, especially since he is the lead pastor at a local church (Heartland Church). Jon also talked about how much his family loves attending the farmer’s market, which happens to be the largest producers-only market in the nation. Another great reason to love Madison! Hear the rest of Jon’s story in this episode. Neil Mathweg talks networking with featured guest Diana Lawinger Diana Lawinger is a networking guru and a contributor to the I love Madison Show. She has a genuine interest in meeting people and takes great pride in the connections she is able to create in the community. She joins Neil Mathweg on this episode to talk about 1 Million Cups, an organization where new entrepreneurs can present a business plan, then participate in a Q & A discussion. This group is nicknamed the “Dolphin Tank,” as the format resembles the hit show “Shark Tank,” but without all the teeth. The group meets at the Madison public library every Wednesday at 9:00 am on the third floor. Check out the full conversation! Outline of This Episode [1:22] bullet point outline [5:15] The Game of Magnets starts in January - Neil gives more details! [7:00] Chris Sorenson hosts the “Meetup of the Week” segment [10:00] Chris Reese hosts the “My Move” segment with guest John Mcnary [17:15] Sponsors of ILM [19:15] Neil interviews featured guest Diana Lawinger - [24:45] Diana talks networking on the I Love Madison Blog (link below) Resources & People Mentioned Heartland Church Diana’s Blog Post on ILM - Networking Event and Groups Around Madison Friends Wanted Meetup 1 Million Cups Culture Community The Dream Bank Diana Lawinger Connect With Neil facebook.com/ilovemadisonshow.com instagram.com/ilovemadisonshow twitter.com/neilmathweg linkedin.com/in/neilmathweg This episode is sponsored by Neil Mathweg of Realty Executives Cooper Spransy Chris Reese of American Family Insurance Abbey