WPR's weekday call-in show, continuing the trusted tradition of Larry Meiller. Host Lee Rayburn talks with expert guests and listeners about the outdoors, technology, books, home improvement, consumer issues, and more — practical advice and real conversations to help you make the most of everyday life.
Reading the feed…
An astronomer tells us what we’ll see if we look up after dark. Then, we’ll talk about why we should eat more fiber and, probably, far less protein.
First, Bill Volkert, a retired wildlife educator and naturalist, returns to the program to answer your bird questions. Then, we talk with Marie Perkins, a UW-Stevens Point associate professor, about her research on mercury in our wildlife and environment. Finally, Karen Oberhauser shares more about monarch butterflies, just in time for their migration.
We spend the day with dogs. First, we learn why they're constant sniffing. Then, we learn how training with toys can calm the most anxiety-ridden canines. And lastly, how all this can result in pleasant hikes with our furry friends.
We talk with David Schultz, a professor of political science, law and legal studies. He walks us through our country’s election system. Then, we talk about two pivotal moments in Wisconsin’s labor history.
A woman survives a bleak childhood in Kenya to become a nurse, mother and memoirist in Wisconsin. Then, we talk about how the Sojourner Family Peace Center supports survivors of domestic violence in Milwaukee.
First, entomologist PJ Liesch returns to answer your questions about the bugs crawling around your home. Then, we talk with Greg Edge and Brad Hutnik about their podcast on forestry, SilviCast.
Homeowners have legal options when a contractor leaves a home improvement project unfinished. Then, we know the economic impact of maple syrup production in Wisconsin is big, but how big? And then, we talk about the many benefits of farmers markets.
First, physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum are back to talk about knee pain and osteoarthritis. Then, we talk about the different forms elder abuse can take, plus the people partnering to prevent it, with Donna Rosner and Debi Leis.
The reasons to replace siding and trim includes, but is not limited to, aesthetics. We talk about why updating the exterior extends the life of a home.
First, we talk with author James Crawford about his latest book “The Vanishing Earth." Then, historian Tracey Lee Roberts returns to tell the story of mining in the southwest corner of our state. Finally, we talk about trout stream restoration with Peter Jonas of Trout Unlimited.
Most ovarian cancer develops in the fallopian tubes, which can be removed. We talk to a gynecologic oncologist about the game-changing procedure. Then, we talk about living organ donation with two UW Health Transplant Center representatives.
Join us for a day at the Wisconsin State Fair! First, Shari Black talks about the event’s 175th anniversary. Then, we get the story behind the fair from historian Tom Zimmerman. Jill Albanese shares how the fair grounds are prepared each year. And then Kari Schoenike tells us about being the agricultural education manager.
We hear about the latest scams affecting consumers in Wisconsin. Then, we talk about internet access – first, through Starlink’s satellite broadband, and then, the fiber broadband network expanding across the state.
David Drake, a UW-Extension wildlife specialist and professor, is back. This time he talks about Wisconsin’s many raccoons. Then, we break down the latest news about the Endangered Species Act and what it means for vulnerable species in Wisconsin. Our guests are Stan Temple and Adena Rissman.
To put our money to good use, we ask a wealth management expert for investing advice. Then, we talk to the co-authors of “The Emergency Playbook,” an optimistic guide for planning for natural and societal disasters.
We talk about the travel guide “Best Beer Hikes Wisconsin” with author Chad Turner. Then, we ponder Wisconsin’s love of frozen pizza and learn a little history along the way with Chef Patrick O’Halloran and Nick Fallucca of Palermo’s Pizza.
Silent Sports is “the journal for human-powered recreation” in the Upper Midwest. Its editor joins us. Then, talk with dementia specialist Dr. Nathaniel Chin about his new book, “When Memory Fades.”
First, UW-Milwaukee professor Robert Cuzner joins us to talk about the electrical grid. We also talk about microgrids — one answer to America’s power problems. Then, we talk about beaver management in Wisconsin and how you can peacefully co-exist with the large rodent. Our guests are Bob Boucher and Clay Frazer.
We learn how to protect our pets from polluted air. Then, we hear how the Door County Historical Society restored a lighthouse and preserved its past. Then, the case is made for adopting antisocial “working cats” for barns and warehouses.
First, Jesse La Grew, the chief information security officer at Madison College, joins us to discuss technology and cybersecurity issues. He’ll give his tips on improving your home Wi-Fi. Then, Weather Guy Steve Ackerman is back to talk about this month’s heat and smoke, among other things.
A new book traces the history of nonhuman-to-human organ transplantation. Then, we learn why home prices keep rising and what can be done about it.
First, our guests Melanie Tallmadge Sainz and Mike Mossman share the story of Mąą Wakącąk and the Badger Lands in Sauk County. Then, we talk about our State Natural Areas on the anniversary of their creation with Sarah Herrick of the DNR.
The state is trying to return $800 million in unclaimed money and property. Maybe some of it is yours. Then, we look back on the 40-year history of the Center for Dairy Research. And we talk about making birdwatching more accessible and joyful.
First, physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum talk about the severity of falls in older adults. Then, Dr. Timothy Young gives us his advice on how to sleep well and manage disorders like sleep apnea.
Everything about the Upper Mississippi River is discussed in Big River Magazine. We talk to founding editor Reggie McLeod about the stories included in the new bimonthly issue. Then, we talk with two Wisconsin genealogists about the new path to becoming a Canadian citizen.
