The West Side: Recent Episodes
Wisconsin Public Radio
'The West Side' is currently on hiatus. Central Wisconsin regional program 'Route 51' has expanded its focus to include western Wisconsin. "Route 51" is a regional talk show hosted by Shereen Siewert focusing on issues important to the central and western Wisconsin areas, as well as featuring regional music, culture, and arts. Topics include proposed legislation, sustainability, health care, economics, agriculture, and the justice system.'Route 51' airs on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls, with a live stream at www.wrfw887.com . Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at: 800-780-9742 or email ideas@wpr.org .
Shereen Siewert welcomes Adam Greuel, who performs several original songs and shares the story of his personal musical journey.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Waawaakeyaash Keller Paap, Indigenous knowledge development coordinator at the Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Institute, and Waqnahwew Ben Grignon, Menominee language and culture coordinator with the Menominee Indian School District, for a discussion on initiatives that aim to protect Indigenous languages.
Shereen Siewert welcomes David Anthony Hummer to share his vision for the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, an under-the-radar spot that has hosted multiple international competitions and exhibitions that are well-known in the artist community.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin River Alliance Water Advocates organizer Johnson Bridgwater and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Geology and Environmental Science Professor Dr. Robert Lodge to explain the science of mining for minerals. They’ll detail the environmental implications involved, the safeguards in place and explore the potential risks and benefits to the state.
Ezra Wall welcomes Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus, authors of "Secret Wisconsin: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure," for an audio road trip.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin EMS Association Executive DIrector Alan DeYoung and Office of Rural Health Outreach Manager James Small to share insight about the challenges faced in communities throughout the state.
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe brain disorder that interferes with the ability to think, feel and behave clearly. Although the condition affects just one percent of the population, it is one of the most disabling diseases affecting people and families nationwide. Shereen Siewert welcomes Stevens Point author Kenneth Farmer, a retired public defender and prosecutor to discuss his new book, Lee. Farmer’s latest release is a memoir that describes his own brother’s descent into paranoid schizophrenia and the ways in which his family learned to cope. Ken Farmer's Website
Shereen Siewert welcomes Adam Greuel, who performs several original songs and shares the story of his personal musical journey.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Bryan Bainbridge, the CEO of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, to discuss plans for the facility and the services planned to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions among teens. He’ll also address concerns expressed by some critics who have questions about the project.
Shereen Siewert welcomes financial advisor Kevin McKinley to share ways to maximize your financial health for the rest of 2023.
Shereen Siewert welcomes U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) for a discussion about what’s happening in Washington.
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe brain disorder that interferes with the ability to think, feel and behave clearly. Although the condition affects just one percent of the population, it is one of the most disabling diseases affecting people and families nationwide. Shereen Siewert welcomes Stevens Point author Kenneth Farmer, a retired public defender and prosecutor to discuss his new book, Lee. Farmer’s latest release is a memoir that describes his own brother’s descent into paranoid schizophrenia and the ways in which his family learned to cope. Ken Farmer's Website
Based in Miami, the South Beach Chamber Ensemble has delighted audiences for more than 25 years. Since 2006, the five-piece group has made an annual trip to central Wisconsin and is now preparing for the South Beach Up North Chamber Music Festival in Wausau and Marshfield.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Bradley Koele, a wildlife damage specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Adrian Wydeven of Wisconsin Green Fire to discuss ways to ease tensions with wildlife and protect yourself and your property from harm.
Lawmakers in Wisconsin are trying for the second time to pass legislation that would allow residents enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to become law enforcement officers in the state, a bipartisan proposal that is seeing significant support from police.
Agribusiness is a key Wisconsin industry, but it takes a mighty toll on the mental health of the farmers who drive it. Long hours coupled with the burden farms take on at the start of each season to grow crops or raise livestock create physical and financial risks, all of which create a stressful environment that can be difficult to navigate.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Maureen McCollum, executive producer and host of WPR’s audio series “Wisconsin Life,” for a behind-the-scenes look at the program
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wausau native John Bullock, who shares the story behind his balloon piloting obsession, explains the connections within the hot air balloon community and offers advice for people who want to experience the thrill for themselves
Shereen Siewert welcomes Captain Barb Carey, president and founder of Wisconsin Women Fish, and Theresa Stabo, a natural resources educator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, to explore the thrill of fishing as the official spring inland lake season approaches
Shereen Siewert welcomes Vicki Ruthe Hahn, a retired librarian and genealogy consultant with a background in anthropology, history and research, for a discussion on how to research the history of your home and uncover its hidden mysteries.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Paul Thomas, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and Wausau School District Planetarium Director Chris Janssen to discuss the latest in space exploration news and a preview of what to expect in the year ahead.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wausau native Sam Thayer, an author, speaker and internationally recognized authority on edible wild plants for a discussion on foraging and its connection to conservation and sustainable food production systems.
Rick Reyer welcomes financial advisor Kevin McKinley to share ways to maximize your financial health in 2023.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Vera Klekovkina, UW-Stevens Point associate professor of world languages and literatures, and Cary Elza, UW-Stevens Point associate professor of media studies, for an exploration into the world of artificial intelligence, its processes and its implications for the future
Shereen Siewert welcomes domestic abuse survivor and victim advocate Nela Kaplic, as well as Wisconsin Department of Justice Officer of Crime Victim Services Executive Director Michelle Viste for a discussion about the impacts of Marsy's Law.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Maureen McCollum, executive producer and host of WPR’s audio series “Wisconsin Life,” for a behind-the-scenes look at the program
Shereen Siewert welcomes Eric Yonke, from the Ethiopian Community Development Council, and Dr. Erik Anderson, from the council’s co-sponsorship program, to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of refugee resettlement, one year after communities around Wisconsin began welcoming new neighbors from Afghanistan.
Shereen Siewert welcomes race relations expert Daryl Davis and La'Tanya Campbell of LPRC Diversity Consulting Services for a conversation about Black History Month.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Randall Davidson, former director of radio services, retired University of Wisconsin Oshkosh lecturer and author of the book “9XM Talking: WHA Radio and the Wisconsin Idea,” for a look at the 100-year history of WLBL and its evolution into the station listeners know today.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Waawaakeyaash Keller Paap, Indigenous knowledge development coordinator at the Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Institute, and Waqnahwew Ben Grignon, Menominee language and culture coordinator with the Menominee Indian School District, for a discussion on initiatives that aim to protect Indigenous languages.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany joins Shereen Siewert for an hour-long conversation about what's happening in Washington, his priorities and the new Congress.
Shereen Siewert welcomes professional ornithologist and educator Steve Betchkal and wildlife biologist Jeanette Kelly for a discussion about the birds of Wisconsin’s winters, how to identify them and strategies to create more bird-friendly communities to encourage their survival.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Paul Thomas, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and Wausau School District Planetarium Director Chris Janssen to discuss the latest in space exploration news and a preview of what to expect in the year ahead.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Eau Claire financial advisor Kevin McKinley for a discussion on year-end financial strategies and making your charitable giving go further this year.
Rick Reyer welcomes Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette to share his music and the stories in the oral tradition of the Anishinaabe, also known as Ojibwe, that have been passed down for generations.
Shereen Siewert welcomes University of Wisconsin Professor Mark Louden, director of the Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies. Louden is an interpreter and cultural mediator for Amish and Old Order Mennonite groups in the legal and health care systems.
Shereen Siewert welcomes University of Wisconsin Professor Mark Louden, director of the Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies. Louden is an interpreter and cultural mediator for Amish and Old Order Mennonite groups in the legal and health care systems.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Marathon County Department of Social Services Director Vicki Tylka and Wood County Human Services Department Director Brandon Vruwink for a look at foster care in Central Wisconsin and the two-year Family Keys pilot program.
With less than a week remaining until election day, WPR’s “Route 51” takes a final look at the midterm contests.
Conversations with candidate Drad Pfaff-D, Onalaska, (3rd U.S. Congressional District), Elizabeth Riley-D, Hayward, (87th Wisconsin Assembly), and Wisconsin U.S. Senate Race coverage by Rich Kremer
Interviews with 71st Assembly District incumbent Katrina Shankland-D, Stevens Point, Scott Soik-R, also of Stevens Point, 70th Assembly District candidate Remy Gomez-D, Tomah, and 30th Assembly District candidate Sarah Yacoub-D, Hudson.
Interviews with 85th Assembly district incumbent Patrick Snyder-R, Schofield, challenger Kristin Conway-D, Schofield, 91st Assembly incumbent Jodi Emerson-D, Eau Claire, and 93rd Assembly candidate Alison Page-D, River Falls.
Interviews with 3 4th Assembly District incumbent Rob Swearingen-R, Rhinelander, challenger Eileen Daniel-D, Rhinelander, 28th Assembly District candidate Patty Schachtner-D, Somerset, and 29th Assembly District candidate Danielle Johnson-D, New Richmond.
Candidate interviews with 67th Assembly candidates Rob Summerfield-R, Bloomer, and Jason D. Bennett-D, Chippewa Falls, and 69th Assembly candidates Lisa Boero-D, Marshfield, and Donna Rozar-R, Marshfield.
Candidate interviews with 67th Assembly candidates Rob Summerfield-R, Bloomer, and Jason D. Bennett-D, Chippewa Falls, and 69th Assembly candidates Lisa Boero-D, Marshfield, and Donna Rozar-R, Marshfield.
Candidate interviews from 29th State Senate Candidates Bob Look-D, Rothschild, and Cory Tomczyk-R, Mosinee, and 31st State Senate Candidates Jeff Smith-D, Eau Claire, and Dave Estenson-R, Whitehall.
Candidate interviews from 29th State Senate Candidates Bob Look-D, Rothschild, and Cory Tomczyk-R, Mosinee, and 31st State Senate Candidates Jeff Smith-D, Eau Claire, and Dave Estenson-R, Whitehall.
Rick Reyer interviews the candidates from Wisconsin’s 7th U.S. Congressional District - icumbent Tom Tiffany-R, Minocqua, and challenger Richard Ausman-D, Lac du Flambeau.
Rick Reyer interviews the candidates from Wisconsin’s 7th U.S. Congressional District - icumbent Tom Tiffany-R, Minocqua, and challenger Richard Ausman-D, Lac du Flambeau.
Rick Reyer interviews candidates for the 68th State Assembly and 72nd State Assembly seats.
Rick Reyer interviews candidates for the 68th State Assembly and 72nd State Assembly seats.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Elise Schuler, Education and Events Manager at Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau, and Chris Nelson, Environmental Education Coordinator for the Wausau School District, for a discussion on the impact of outdoor learning on area youth.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Elise Schuler, Education and Events Manager at Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau, and Chris Nelson, Environmental Education Coordinator for the Wausau School District, for a discussion on the impact of outdoor learning on area youth.
Rick Reyer welcomes the founder of Empowered Dream Hunts, to talk about the effort to give veterans the change to hunt in a supportive environment. Rick also talks with a Boy Scout who was a recipient of a dream hunt and is now working to help connect people with challenges to the great outdoors and with a veteran who volunteers with the organization.
Rick Reyer welcomes Dr. Jonathan Temte, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, for updates about the emerging monkeypox and ongoing COVID-19 public health crises.
“Route 51” wraps up its primary election coverage with candidates for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and the state’s 87th Assembly. The 7th Congressional District is the largest in the state geographically, covering 20 counties in the northern half of Wisconsin. The 87th Assembly is one of 99 districts in the state, representing residents in portions of northwest Wisconsin 7th Congressional District incumbent Representative Tom Tiffany and his challenger Dave Kunelius about their legislative priorities and federal policy. 87th Assembly candidate Michael Bub shares his perspective on state policy and his priorities. 87th Assembly incumbent Representative James “Jimmy Boy” Edming did not respond to our invitation to appear.
We hear from the Republican candidates running for the 23rd and 29th State Senate and the 68th Assembly Districts.
WPR hosts a debate between Democratic Party primary candidates Rebecca Cooke, Deb McGrath, Mark A. Neumann and Brad Pfaff.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Odawa White, Dean of Continuous Improvement at Lac Courte Orielles Ojibwe College in Hayward, for a discussion on understanding the history and importance of powwows, and what to know before you go.
Shereen Siewert welcomes financial advisor Kevin McKinley for a discussion about personal finance best practices in a challenging economy, from investing in the stock market to planning for retirement and more.
Shereen Siewert welcomes UFO historian, writer and educator Mark O’Connell, along with Chad Lewis, an Eau Claire-based author who researches the paranormal and has spent years documenting UFO and alien encounters in Wisconsin.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Bradley Koele, a wildlife damage specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Adrian Wydeven of Wisconsin Green Fire to discuss ways to ease tensions with wildlife and protect yourself and your property from harm.
Shereen Siewert joins Dr. Scott Borkenhagen, a psychiatrist with Marshfield Clinic, and Marilyn Tomfohrde, chronic disorganization specialist with New Life Organizing, to discuss hoarding disorder and how to get help for yourself or a loved one struggling with this increasingly common condition.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Designee Anne Sayers to the show for travel tips and the best picks for summer festival fun.
Shereen Siewert welcomes two retired Marathon County Sheriff’s Department investigators for a discussion on police detective work, from missing persons to homicides and other crimes.
Shereen Siewert is joined by Marathon County Historical Society Archivist Ben Clark, Chippewa Valley Museum Archivist Jodi Kiffmeyer and Kerry Bloedorn, director of Rhinelander’s Pioneer Park Historical Complex for a look at our region’s unusual history and stories from long ago.
Shereen Siewert joins beekeepers Bill Korb of the Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association and Waupaca’s Dr. Michael Bauer, Nicaragua Bee Project founder and educator, for a look at the role of honeybees and beekeepers. Later, she’ll be joined by Lake Wissota State Park Naturalist and Master Gardener Sue Crisp, for a better understanding of how to support pollinators as they maintain a healthy Wisconsin ecosystem.
Shereen Siewert welcomes WSAW-TV meteorologist Chad Franzen for a discussion about all things weather.
Shereen Siewert welcomes professional ornithologist and educator Steve Betchkal and wildlife biologist Jeanette Kelly for a discussion about Wisconsin’s feathered residents.
Rick Reyer welcomes financial advisor Kevin McKinley for a discussion on best practices for personal finance, from investing in the stock market to planning for retirement and more.
Shereen Siewert welcomes vaccine expert Dr. Jonathan Temte, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, for a review of the latest science surrounding vaccination, boosters, new treatments and the state of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Dr. Sam Dinga, diversity and inclusion coordinator for the Stevens Point Area School District, and Milaney Leverson, Educational Consultant: Systems Equity Focus with CESA 10, for a discussion on how local schools are handling sensitive topics like race, religion, sex and gender.
Shereen Siewert welcomes two retired Marathon County Sheriff’s Department investigators for a discussion on police detective work, from missing persons to homicides and other crimes.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Director of Drinking Water and Groundwater Steve Elmore and Wisconsin Department of Health Services toxicologist Dr. Sarah Yang for an in-depth discussion on PFAS.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Damir Kovačević, an assistant professor of political science at UW-Eau Claire specializing in international relations, international security and political violence; and Jeff Leigh, a professor of history at UW-Stevens Point who teaches courses on Russia, modern revolutions and world war, for an in-depth look at the Ukraine crisis. Their discussion will offer historical context on the war, the human toll of the conflict and the impact on western nations moving forward.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Republican State Rep. Scott Krug, of Nekooksa, and Democratic State Rep. Jodi Emerson, of Eau Claire, for a discussion on upcoming legislative decisions and what they could mean for the people, families and businesses of Wisconsin.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg, Bea Evans, a founding member of Welcoming New Neighbors - Northwest Wisconsin Refugee Resettlement in Eau Claire, and Margaret Pagoria, program coordinator for Wausau’s New Beginnings for Refugees, for a discussion on the Afghan refugee resettlement process.
Rick Reyer welcomes financial advisor Kevin McKinley for a discussion on best practices for personal finance, from investing in the stock market to planning for retirement and more.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Elise Schuler, Education and Events Manager at Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau, and Chris Nelson, Environmental Education Coordinator for the Wausau School District, for a discussion on the impact of outdoor learning on area youth.