Open Session
A podcast demystifying how local government works in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Listen Now
Find us wherever you listen to podcasts.
New episodes are released intentionally, not on a fixed schedule as we focus on clarity and depth.
Open Session is not a money-making project. Producing episodes does cost money, but we’re willing and fortunate enough to cover those costs so this work can remain accessible.
This podcast exists because we care deeply about the City of La Crosse and believe that an informed community is a stronger one. We’re building this from the ground up because we think understanding how our city works matters.
Statement of Intent
Open Session is a podcast designed to demystify how local government works in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
City government shapes daily life—from streets and housing to public safety, schools, and long-term planning, yet many residents feel disconnected from how decisions are made or unsure where to start learning. Open Session exists to bridge that gap.
Through thoughtful, good-faith conversations, the show breaks down city processes, roles, and responsibilities in plain language. Rather than arguing positions or chasing headlines, Open Session focuses on building a baseline understanding of how the city operates, what exists today, and how those systems may evolve over time.
The goal is simple: to help residents feel more informed, more confident, and more empowered to participate whether that means attending a meeting, asking a question, serving on a committee, or simply following along with greater clarity.
Open Session is education-first, community-centered, and rooted in the belief that a better-informed public strengthens the city as a whole.
Education → Engagement → Progress.
La Crosse has everything it needs to be one of the best mid-sized cities in America.
Forward.
Why Open Session Exists
Your Hosts
Tony Ayala
Host, Founder of Good FightTony Ayala is a La Crosse resident, stay-at-home dad, and community builder with a deep interest in how cities work and how people engage with them.
A former summer camp director and lifelong storyteller, Tony has spent years working in nonprofit spaces, community events, and creative production. He currently works part-time at the Dane County Airport while raising two young children with his wife, Maddy, and investing his energy into projects that strengthen life in La Crosse.
Tony created Open Session not as an expert, but as a student, as someone who wants to better understand local government and invite others to learn alongside him. His role on the show is to ask honest questions, slow conversations down, and help translate complex processes into something accessible for everyday residents.
He is also a co-founder of Bubba’s Fund, a donor-advised fund of the La Crosse Area Community Foundation, and the owner of Good Fight, a creative and do good-focused media venture.
Mac Kiel is a former La Crosse City Council member, educator, and longtime community servant with deep experience in local governance, nonprofit leadership, and public service.
Mac served on the La Crosse City Council from 2021 to 2025, where she worked directly with city staff, fellow council members, and community stakeholders on policy, budgeting, and long-term planning. Her experience provides institutional knowledge and historical context that help clarify how decisions are actually made inside city government.
Professionally, Mac works at Western Technical College, where she teaches in the Project Proven program, supporting justice-impacted adults as they navigate education and career pathways. Her background also includes many years of leadership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse.
On Open Session, Mac serves as both guide and teacher breaking down structure, responsibilities, and decision-making in plain language, with a steady focus on education, context, and public understanding.
Co-HostMac Kiel
What to Expect
Clear explanations of how La Crosse city government works
Conversations focused on structure and process, not partisan debate
Episodes designed to build a baseline understanding for residents
Occasional deep dives tied to real decisions facing the city
Have a question you want us to tackle?
Open Session exists to help demystify how local government works in La Crosse.
If there’s a question you’ve been curious about, a process you don’t understand, or a topic you’d like us to explore on a future episode, we’d love to hear from you.
Please share only what you’re comfortable sharing. All fields are optional.