Loving Lake Geneva: Recent Episodes
Karen Strey Rappaport with Melges Real Estate
A sun-splashed podcast about the people, places, and happenings that make the Lake Geneva Wisconsin area so special.
Jon Schnabl, along with his wife Becca, is the founder and owner of LG Transportation which provides black car service, limos and party buses for corporate, airports, celebrations, tours and other events. Areas served include Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota. Jon also started Walworth County Network, a social media site for individuals and businesses to share their experiences and advice as well as connect with others locals.
Kris Porritt is a certified Mahjong instructor in the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area. She loves connecting people through America’s new favorite game! Kris comes to you with all the materials and teaches in the most patient and fun way. You can find Kris at lakegenevamahjongclub.com and on instagram at lg_mahjongclub Gather some friends and join the Mahjong mania!
Michael Anagnos began YaYas (named after his Greek grandmother) Greek Almond Dip because of his family history in the food business, his passion for food and his desire to feed people with fresh, clean, flavorful ingredients. His business and varieties of dips continue to grow and thrive. For more information on the products and where to buy them, visit https://yayasdips.com
This episode features David Curry, owner of Geneva Lakefront Realty in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. He stands out as the area’s lakefront expert, selling over one billion dollars of property. In this episode, David talks about how his upbringing influenced his career and his unique approach to his relationship with clients. He ends by sharing his thoughts about what buyers and sellers may expect to see in the upcoming Spring market.
James Killian Explains Why Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy Is A Meaningful Place For All To Enjoy, Learn and Volunteer!
Have You Seen The Beast of Bray Road? Donna Wells Fink and Jackie Riesterer Tell How You Might Find Him!
Lazy Cloud Lodge Owner Sara Rubin Explains Why This Small Country Inn Is The Perfect Getaway in Lake Geneva!
Worth A Replay! Water Safety Patrol will be keeping Geneva Lake Safe Again This Year! Listen To This Past Episode with Director Ted Pankau, Kelly Otzen and Anne Morrissy!
Neighbors Helping Neighbors with Tammy Dunn, Executive Director of The Bridge Food and Diaper Bank
Local Television Star Carly VanPelt Discusses Her Season on the Food Network Kids Baking Championship!
Authors Brooklyn Freytag and Sloan Sullivan define the special grandparent/grandchild connection in “The Blueberries of Life.”
Anne Morrissy, Author of “Street Fight: The Chicago Taxi Wars of the 1920s” and Editor of “At The Lake magazine” joins us as we jump start our new season of the podcast!
Chef Abel Rosas Brings His Passion And Cuisine To You Through Elena Home Catering.
Visit his website here: https://www.elenacatering.com/
Happy Birthday Fontana! Bonnie Liptak Shares How The West End Is Celebrating Its Centennial!
Artrepeneur” Dori Davis-Beck Inspires The Creative Artist In Us All Through Her Skills, Classes And Events!
Hello, Geneva Lake! Tabitha Schrock talks about the inspiration behind her new children’s book.
Buy “Hello, Geneva Lake” here.
Karen Yancey, Tai Thompson And Kristin Freytag explain how the Geneva Lake Conservancy works to protect And restore the lands and waterways of walworth county And beyond.
All Aboard! Angie Jahns From Lake Geneva Cruise Line Shares How To Get On The Water…Even in the Winter!
For more information please visit https://www.cruiselakegeneva.com/
Oh Christmas Tree! Rob Elliott and Jason Mack Tell Us How They Built the World’s Tallest Glass Tree!
The Griffin & Gargoyle Founder Daniel Colwell reveals interactive dining experience coming soon to Lake Geneva!
Pictured here with Co-Founder Michael PaylorFor More Information please visit griffinandgargoyle.com
Sparkle On The Lake This Summer! MedSpa Owner Eileen Fleer, BSN, RN, Explains Ways To Revitalize and Renew YOU! For more information, please visit junipermedspa.com and gurneemedispa.com
Luke Gygax carries on the legacy of his father, Dungeons and Dragons creator Gary Gygax
For more information please visit:
Gaxx Worx Linktr.ee: linktr.ee/GaxxWorx
Back Luke Gygax’s latest Kickstarter The Fate of Chentoufi, a D&D adventure in his World of Okkorim setting ks.gaxxworx.com
Follow Gaxx Worx to learn about Luke Gygax’s new projects, gaxxworx.com
The Gary Con website garycon.com
Follow luke on social media https://linktr.ee/lukegygax
Micah Gebel of the talented Gebel Girls duo talks local gigs and Rachel’s participation on The Voice!For more information, please visit GebelGirls.com
Nikelle Burrough Describes Unique Therapeutic Massage And Yoga Experience At Crescent Moon Wellness Center.For more information please visit cresentmoonwellnesscenter.com
Reform yourself in the New Year with Tricia Warnstedt from Geneva Lakes Pilates!
For more information about Geneva Lakes Pilates visit https://www.genevalakespilates.com/
Ice Ice Baby! Ice Castles Founder Brent Christensen tells us how this frozen fairy tale came to life!
For more information about Ice Castles visit: https://icecastles.com/
Santa CAUSE is coming to town! Nancy Waspi tells us how Freezin' for a Reason, Parade of Trees and Santa Cruise provide fun for the family and helps local charities!
For more information about Santa Cause visit: https://santacauses.org/
Topsy Turvy Brewery Owner Dan Schuld invites us all to come in for flippin' good beer and a great time!
http://www.topsyturvybrewery.com/
Special dogs helping special people: Catherine Rupp explains the mission of Canine Companions and how you can help!
For more information, please visit https://canine.org/
Do you need a miracle? Carolyn Gable shares the inspiration for her "Expect A Miracle" Shore Path and Foundation. The Carolyn Gable "Expect A Miracle" Foundation
Queen of the Mountain: Joyce Selander, The First Woman To Physically Trade Financial Futures In The Pits At The Chicago Board Of Trade Joyce, Queen Of The Mountain: Female Courage And Hand-To-Hand Combat In The World'S Largest Money Pit
Brewing Up Support for the Special Needs Community: Jim Harding explains how Inspired Coffee and Inspiration Ministries Opens A World Of Possibilities for People with Disabilities.
Visit the website for Inspired Coffee: https://www.inspiredcoffee.org/
Get In Shape For The Summer? How About Get In Shape For Life! Fitness Trainer John Palmer Tells Us The Best Way To Achieve Just That!
Women Helping Others AND Having Fun? Missy Sell from Geneva Lake Womens Association Talks About the Upcoming Womens Weekend and the Impact GLWA Has on The Community
For more information, please visit www.glwa.net
This episode will blow your mind! Mind reader Joe Diamond explains his unique talent and how you can join in on the experience!
For more information, please visit joediamondlive.com
How Lake Geneva's Past Defined Its Future: Geneva Lake Museum Curator Helen Brandt tells us how Lake Geneva became the special place it is today.
For more information, please visit GenevaLakeMuseum.org
4 Seasons of Fun in Lake Geneva: Stephanie Klett, President/CEO of Visit Lake Geneva talks Winterfest, Shore Path, and why every day is a great day to visit Lake Geneva!
For more information visit https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/
Lake Geneva 911! Thomas Lennon talks Lake Geneva, his many roles in Hollywood and where you can watch new episodes with Lieutenant Dangle!
Santa "Sleighs" It Again In Our Year End Episode!
For more information on the non-profit groups discussed in the podcast, please visit the following: Yerkes Future Foundation: yerkesobservatory.org Rock Central: RockCentral.org The Farm Way: thefarmway.com Santa Cause: santacauses.org
Thought you knew EVERYTHING about Lake Geneva? Rita Moore from Lake Geneva Ghost Walks will change all that!
For more information or to book a tour, please visit: https://americanghostwalks.com/wisconsin/lake-geneva-ghost-walks/
No More Pier Pressure! Talking Driver’s Ed for Boaters with Captain Joe from Happy Captain!
For more information please visit: https://happy-captain.com/
A Novel Way to Love Lake Geneva: Author Danielle Lincoln Hanna discusses her Mailboat Suspense Series set in Lake Geneva.
For more information please visit daniellelincolnhanna.com
We Will Rock You, Lake Geneva! Al and Rickie Wetzel from Rock Central explains how you can find your inner rock star at any age!
For more information please visit rockcentral.org
Goodbye Social Distancing. Hello Lake Geneva Social Club! Founder Cathy Popick talks about how YOU can get involved!
Visit the Lake Geneva Social Club Facebook page here.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name: Kimkasi Pub Owners Kim Minette and Mike Trainor talk about the very special gathering place they have created in Fontana. For more information please visit kimkasipub.com
Yerkes Future Foundation Executive Director Dennis Kois Talks About Exciting Improvements and Plans for our Area's Famous Observatory!
For more information, please visit https://www.yerkesobservatory.org/
Time to Hit the Links! Geneva National's Member Head PGA Professional and Director Charlie Brown discusses the courses, instruction and all Geneva National has to offer!
For more information, please visit genevanationalresort.com
Chef John Bogan Adding "Spice" to Lake Geneva's Culinary Scene
For more information, please visit the Lake Geneva School of Cooking website at https://www.lakegenevacookingschool.com/
Rockin' and Rescuing: Mike Himebaugh and Nicole Fairchild talk about the Hello Dave band and their very special safe haven for animals, The Farm Way
For more information:
TheFarmWay.com
The Old and the New: Maxwell Mansion owners Luke and Monica Pfeifer share their love for this very special property and all the exciting ways people can come to enjoy it!
For more information:
https://www.maxwellmansion1856.com/
Yoga benefits all ages and all levels. Yoga instructor Suzette Rowe explains we all need to "just breathe" and honor our mind, body and spirit.
In this episode, Santa stops by to discuss the holiday season in Lake Geneva and some organizations in the area deserving of our help.
Here are the organizations referenced in the episode:
Fellow Mortals
Lakeland Animal Shelter
Water Safety Patrol
Seeds of Hope WI
Walworth County Food Pantry
Yerkes Observatory
Happy Holidays!
Richard and Sean Payne discuss Lake Geneva history, their family ties and some of their favorites in the area!
Suzanne Glavin and Melinda Cahill from North Shore Nest provide interior design tips and share how they can help make your home fresh and beautiful.
For more information on how their design services, please visit NorthShoreNest.com
Laurin Mack has revived her great great great Grandfather's Brewing Company in Chicago. Conrad Seipp was also the original owner of the Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva, which is now a museum for all to enjoy and visit by boat.
For more information visit SeippBrewing.com
In 2002, The Lake Geneva Balloon Co., LLC took flight. Through the years, their perfect safety record and unparalleled personalized attention to thousands of guests have made The Lake Geneva Balloon Company a highly respected and valued member of the tourist community in the Geneva Lakes area. John has more experience flying balloons over the Geneva Lakes area than any other pilot. When picking your company and pilot for your excursion, experience counts!
Learn more at lakegenevaballoon.com
Pedal and Cup has bike rentals for the entire family, just 5 minutes north of downtown Lake Geneva. Enjoy White River Trail roast from Blended House Coffee, Milwaukee Purple Door Ice Cream, smoothies, light lunch options, and snacks. Check out the unique collection of gift items handcrafted by local Wisconsin artists. Conveniently located at the mid-point of the White River State Trail.
In 1989 the Village of Williams Bay purchased this beautiful natural area on Geneva Lake. It has been a place for all to enjoy without any taxpayer money. All donations are always appreciated for the ongoing efforts and programs to keep KNC the pride of the community.
For more information please visit: friendsofknc.org
The Water Safety Patrol is a private, non-profit organization with the mission to keep Geneva Lake safe and enjoyable for all. A total of over 80 people make up the entire summer staff who must meet strict qualifications and participate in ongoing training. Join us as Director Ted Pankau, Chair of the 100 year committee Kelly Otzen and author Anne Morrisy discuss what it’s like to work for the Water Safety Patrol and how they are celebrating their 100th anniversary! For more information on how you can support the Geneva Lake Water Safety Patrol, please visit watersafetypatrol.org
For over a century the mailboat has been delivering mail to the piers of lakefront homes on Geneva Lake. Every day the Walworth leaves the dock at the Riviera carrying tourists who can learn about the mansions on the lake and watch the very athletic and courageous mail jumpers at work! Join us as 2 of these mail jumpers, Paige Aspinall and Molly McEneany, share their experiences!
For tickets please visit cruiselakegeneva.com
Gordy’s Lakefront Marine has grown from a small upstart business in 1955 to a diversified company consisting of a marina, boat sales, service and storage, boat rentals, boat clubs, ski and wakeboard schools, a pro shop specialty retail store the Boat House bar & restaurant, the Surf Shack and the Cobalt Lounge. Gordy’s is located in Fontana where the views are incredible every day of the year!
Learn more at Gordysboats.com
What do you do when you see an injured animal? Fellow Mortals, one of the nation’s largest wildlife hospitals, is here to help. Yvonne Wallace Blane gives us great advice as to what role we can play in keeping all of nature’s animals safe and tells us about the incredible work the staff at Fellow Mortals does every single day.
For more information visit: FellowMortals.org
Author Pamela Meyers is a native of Lake Geneva and has written several historical novels set in Lake Geneva:
Surprised by Love in Lake Geneva (set in 1933) and the Newport of the West Series which includes
Safe Refuge, Shelter Bay, Tranquility Point (releasing May 5, 2020), and Rose Harbor (releasing 2021)
Pamela’s novels are currently available for sale in print and kindle on Amazon as well as retailers in the Lake Geneva area, including:
Breadloaf in LG once they have found a new home Geneva Lake Museum gift shop Cornerstone Shoppe in LG Dust Bunny on Center just south of Main Lake Geneva Library has all my LG books Angelus in Walworth
Other novel’s of Pamela’s include:
Contemporary Romances:
Rodeo Series (2 books)
Second Chance Love
Whatever is True
Cozy Mystery
Thyme for Love – Set in fictional town near Lake Geneva
Wally Bullard is the Sales Manager at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours.
Lake Geneva Canopy Tours offer Zipline Tours, High-Ropes Excursions, Biking and Team Building and is open year round!
Contact information:
Lake Geneva Canopy Tours
Website: lakegenevacanopytours.com Address: N3232 CR-H, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Phone: (262) 248-9271
Dieter Sturm is an Academy Award winner and the owner of Sturm’s Special Effects and All Seasons Extreme in Lake Geneva. Dieter has provided special effects and snow-making for over 100 motion pictures and commercials. Dieter has been a Lake Geneva resident for 40 years! Listen in as he talks about his unique and exciting career which included appearances on David Letterman and 60 minutes!
Laura Kelsey is the owner and founder of Fresh Salad Club as well as the Connoisseurs Wine Club. Visit these websites for more information:
https://connoisseurswineclub.com/
https://freshsaladclub.com/
Kathie Perkins is the founder of Fontana Home, carrying timeless home furnishings, vintage and gifts
Visit their site for more information:
http://fontana-home.com/
Award winning Neal Aspinall has captured the heart of Lake Geneva through his illustrations, which can be found just about everywhere you look. His work expands way beyond the area with clients such as Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Coca Cola, Corona, Facebook, Harley Davidson, Miller Brewing Co., Nordstrom and Target. Neal’s work includes logos, posters, icons, illustration, and portraits.
Check out his extensive portfolio at NealAspinall.com
Hans Melges is the founder and Managing Broker of Melges Real Estate in Lake Geneva. Having grown up in Lake Geneva, he is an expert in the lakes area. Hans has built a real estate team who also has been loving Lake Geneva for decades. The Melges Crew has extensive knowledge, expertise and most importantly specializes in top-notch service, assisting you with your buying and selling needs.
Dianna Colman, Chair of the Yerkes Future Foundation, shares exciting news about the ongoing efforts to keep historic Yerkes Observatory part of our community. Dianna also shares her involvement in Rock Central, Holiday Home Camp, Melges Rowe Sailing Team, Lake Geneva Garden Club and the Geneva Lake Association.
She is proof positive of the impact one committed resident can make for the benefit of all of us.
Yerkes Future Foundation
PO Box 346
Williams Bay, WI 53191
Meghan Quist is the author of a blog “Candidly Meg” where she writes candidly about lake life, motherhood, marriage, and her local “picks”. Meghan moved to Lake Geneva three years ago from Illinois. She’s been married for almost six years to her husband Nathan and has one daughter who is 16 months old named Wynter She has a good pulse on what’s going on around the lake, from boating and beaches to restaurants and events. Meghan says that living in a lake community has been such a unique experience that she really hopes to capture it for you through her writing.
Check out Meghan’s blog at candidlymegblog.com
With the Geneva Lake breeze blowing the wind chimes on the front porch of the 100+ year old house he grew up in, I chatted with historian Patrick Quinn. His upbringing and career are completely fascinating in their own right, thinking his father was dead for most of his life..but wasn’t, to his near death experiences during his activist Civil Rights times in Selma, to his 34 years as an archivist at Northwestern University. But today we focused on his vast knowledge of the Lake Geneva history, much of it firsthand.
Join us for a truly “magical” episode as illusionist Tristan Crist talks about how a young boy with a vision ends up with a consistently packed house for his own live show in his own beautiful new Lake Geneva theater. Find out why his up close and personal show was voted #1 Lake Geneva attraction on Trip Advisor and why he continues to get rave reviews!
Harry Melges IV and Finn Rowe are two talented sailors from Lake Geneva who have spent their entire lives passionately pursuing sailing excellence. They are members of the U.S. Sailing Team with their current goal to compete in the 2020 Olympic summer games in Tokyo. And by the way…they are 18 years old.