Route 51: Recent Episodes
Wisconsin Public Radio
"Route 51" is a regional talk show hosted by Shereen Siewert focusing on issues important to the north-central Wisconsin area, as well as featuring regional music, culture, and arts. It can be heard Fridays at 10 a.m. on 930 WLBL-AM Auburndale/Stevens Point, 91.9 WLBL-FM and 101.3 W267BB-FM Wausau, 99.1 W256CZ-FM Stevens Point, 100.9 W265DC-FM Marshfield, 90.3 WHBM-FM Park Falls, 89.9 WHSF-FM Rhinelander/Eagle River, and 89.1 WHAA-FM Adams/Wisconsin Rapids. It is also repeated Fridays at 7 p.m. on 90.9 WHRM-FM Wausau.
Beginning May 20, WPR’s two current networks – “NPR News & Music” and “The Ideas Network” – will become “WPR News” and “WPR Music.” As this new chapter begins, “Route […]
An innovative program at UW-Madison is connecting communities throughout Wisconsin to education, outreach, technical assistance and research to help local governments solve challenges and improve livability and wellbeing. UniverCity Alliance, a member of the Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities Network, is already working with cities including Eau Claire, River Falls, Wausau and Waupaca, but […]
The battle between the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians in northwestern Wisconsin and Enbridge over an oil pipeline that runs through tribal land has been the subject of significant debate and legal controversy for more than a decade. A new documentary, released this month, features dozens of interviews with […]
The experience of sexual assault is deeply devastating for survivors and their loved ones. At Aspirus, a team of nurses with specialized training works with survivors, performing Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner services, also called SANE exams, to help begin the healing process. Shereen Siewert welcomes Amy Riegert, registered nurse and SANE coordinator with Aspirus Health, […]
Local symphonies play an important role in Wisconsin communities, bringing people together in a way that only music can. The concert experience guides both new and seasoned listeners, encouraging them to reach, grow, learn and think as they experience new sounds and melodies. In addition to the economic impact local symphonies have in the region, […]
In the 1950s and 60s, a unit at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio collected and investigated UFO sightings – including quite a few in Wisconsin communities. The Air Force concluded that most of the reports were due to easily explainable phenomena, but other cases aren’t so easily explained. Shereen Siewert welcomes author and podcaster […]
Shereen Siewert welcomes Dr. Jennifer Johs-Artisensi, director of UW-Eau Claire’s Health Care Administration program, Dr. Thomas Kemp, department chair of the UW Eau Claire Department of Economics and Wisconsin Senator Jesse James for a look at those closures and what hospital closures will mean for the people and communities of western Wisconsin.
Dozens of municipal airports are located in communities throughout Wisconsin. Some have a simple grass runway and a single hangar, while others have more sophisticated landing spaces and services. Regardless of size, each airport plays a crucial role in a community’s economic health, for a variety of reasons. Shereen Siewert welcomes John Chmiel, a pilot […]
With an election year upon us, it is more important than ever to ensure the news we’re consuming is factually accurate. At UW-Stout, researchers wanted to know whether artificial intelligence systems could determine whether news stories are real or fabricated. The results of that research are eye-opening. Shereen Siewert welcomes Dr. Kevin Matthe Caramancion, assistant […]
While many birds escape the cold and fly to warmer regions during the winter, there are multiple species that have adapted to the climate and stay behind for Wisconsin’s coldest months. The locals that stick around include goldfinches, woodpeckers, chickadees, northern cardinals, blue jays, robins, screech owls and red-tailed hawks. Over winter, you’ll also spot […]
Environment, lifestyle and DNA play important roles in personal health. By studying these factors, researchers aim to find ways to improve the health of future generations. The All of Us Research Program, a national initiative that includes the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, is inviting people across the country to help build one of the most […]
New educational models are emerging in school districts throughout the state, with more choices than ever before when it comes to public school programs. Montessori and Waldorf methods offer a different approach to childhood education compared to traditional classrooms, while some districts are focusing on immersion programs that teach lessons in multiple languages. How can […]
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
Shereen Siewert welcomes Dr. Megan Moreno, professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and co-director of the National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, to share the latest findings on the real-life impact social media has on teens and families and whether legislation can help balance the risk-benefit equation.
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.
When officials at Nicolet College in Rhinelander sought to recognize the complexity and diversity of Indigenous ways of learning and teaching, they turned to members of seven tribes and other educational organizations to help. Their research resulted in the Indigenous Ways of Knowing Report, which helps both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students see pathways to success. Shereen Siewert welcomes Laura Wind-Norton, associate vice president of academic services for Nicolet College, and Ron Corn, Menominee tribal member and director of revitalization at Menomini yoU, to detail their findings and share future goals for education in the northwoods.
Wisconsin Attorney Josh Kaul created a task force to combat human trafficking in January 2023.
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
A Wisconsin Veterans Museum’s traveling exhibit program pays tribute to the 1,161 men and women of the state officially listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., going above and beyond by putting a face to the names listed on the wall.
Tick bites are possible throughout the year but in Wisconsin, these parasitic arachnids are most active from May through September. Though many types of ticks don’t feed on people, those that do can transmit several serious diseases, with a heightened risk for people who spend time outdoors. Shereen Siewert welcomes Ashley Johnson, a nurse practitioner with the Aspirus Tick Borne Illness Center in Woodruff, for advice on how to get out into the woods without becoming a deer tick’s next meal, and information you need to know about protecting yourself during tick season in Wisconsin.
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.
In January, Wisconsin Attorney Josh Kaul announced a new task force to enhance statewide efforts to combat human trafficking and provide support for survivors. The effort includes both law enforcement officials and victim service providers, who come together for a comprehensive approach to fighting these crimes, which have devastating impacts on adults and children in communities both large and small. Shereen Siewert welcomes Brenda Bayer, human trafficking program advocate at The Women's Community in Wausau, and Emily Zernick, victim services manager of the Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, for a discussion on renewed efforts to help identify victims, connect them to support services and hold traffickers responsible for their crimes at the local, state, trial and federal levels.
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 Luke Zahm, host of PBS Wisconsin’s “Wisconsin Foodie” and owner of the Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, for a joyful discussion about the roots of Wisconsin food traditions.
For some, the holidays are a time of joy. For others, it’s a time where mental health is a true challenge. Feeling alone or remembering loved ones who have passed can bring about feelings of helplessness, and even thoughts of self harm. Instances of suicide increase after the holidays, but the season itself can be difficult to manage and filled with challenges. Today on Route 51, we discuss strategies to protect mental health and effectively manage the stress of the season with Sharon Betersfelt, a Marshfield Clinic counselor in Eau Claire, and Jessa Bokhoven, a public health educator in Marathon County who facilitates Marathon County’s Suicide Death Review Team. They’ll share tips and resources for mental health support and where to go for help if you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide. Resources: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 Call, Text Or Chat Available 24/7 Text HOME to crises text line 741741
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.
Winter weather is upon us! The weather forecasts we see each day are based on an array of meteorological sensing networks and intensive computer modeling. But before the rise of these technologies, forecasts were made by understanding cloud formations and wind directions - something anyone can do in their backyard. “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes WSAW-TV meteorologist Chad Franzen for a discussion on the physical processes that drive winter weather and the global forces that shape our climate system. Does a “halo around the moon” really foretell a big snowstorm? Listen in and find out.
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
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 34th 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 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 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.
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 Tina Glynn, owner of Wilderness Empowerment and camping instructor with the Wisconsin Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, and Sara Pearson, northeast district parks supervisor with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, to share best practices for camping, from etiquette to outdoor cooking tips and more.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Tina Glynn, owner of Wilderness Empowerment and camping instructor with the Wisconsin Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, and Sara Pearson, northeast district parks supervisor with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, to share best practices for camping, from etiquette to outdoor cooking tips and more.
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.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Team USA Wheelchair Curling Team skip Matthew Thums, Women’s National Team Member Kim Susans and John Bast from the Eau Claire Curling Club for a discussion on the sport as the world prepares to watch international athletes compete at the XXIV Olympic Winter Games.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin Public Radio Rural Communities Reporter Rob Mentzer for a behind-the-scenes look at the reporting process and discussion about the today’s top stories, including what to watch for in the coming weeks.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wausau native Anne Speckhard, one of the world’s top experts on international terrorism and the psychology of terrorists, to discuss her latest work with ISIS defectors and the spread of ISIS around the world.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Wausau native Anne Speckhard, one of the world’s top experts on international terrorism and the psychology of terrorists, to discuss her latest work with ISIS defectors and the spread of ISIS around the world.
Shereen Siewert welcomes Bruce Steinberg, editor of “Silent Sports Magazine,” Mike Shouldice, president of MECCA Trails Alliance and Andrea Larson, executive director of IRONBULL in Wausau, for a conversation about the culture surrounding silent sports and how to make the most of Wisconsin’s natural landscape in winter.
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.
Executive Producer Rick Reyer hosts our annual celebration of all things Sci-Fi with author John Jackson Miller.