Wisconsin Life: Recent Episodes
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Life celebrates the people, places, history and culture of the state. Come with us as we kayak the Mississippi River, interview musicians in Milwaukee, and bake pasties in Rhinelander. We connect you with diverse people and ideas through short stories updated twice a week.
Wisconsin has one of the highest concentrations of bartenders in the country, employing more than 24,000 bartenders. A good percentage of them are women. But as writer Patti See tells us, that hasn’t always been the case. == Women Behind the Bar Few of us bar lovers realize it took until 1970 for women to legally
It was fifty years ago that the city of Saigon was captured by the North Vietnamese, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Just days before, 12-year-old Tan Pham escaped the city, along with his parents and three siblings. Pham shared the story of his family’s extraordinary journey to La Crosse with WPR’s Ezra Wall.
Many people preserve their genealogy through family trees, mapping the branches and roots out on paper. Heewone Lim brings us the story of a unique genealogical work of art: a Norwegian genealogical plaque. It’s part of the Wisconsin 101 project, which tells the history of the state through objects.
When serving in World War II, 101-year-old Tom Sitter of Madison, Wisconsin didn’t expect to fight his own countrymen. Though there were tussles with a tank division during his training days, he came to learn that differences were put aside with his fellow soldiers when the going got tough.The following story was told on May 8, 2017 at The Moth during an open-mic StorySLAM in Madison where the theme of the night was “Karma.” Here’s Tom Sitter live at The Moth. As a warning, this story contains strong language.
For some the thought of descending into the depths of a dark, tight cave is the stuff of nightmares. For Robert Root of Waukesha, the challenge of facing that fear was a journey he needed to take in Chilton, Wisconsin. This story has been turning into an animation in the newest season of PBS Wisconsin’s “Wisconsin Life.”
When you think about a cocktail that embodies Wisconsin, what comes to mind? We posed that question to a few bartenders across Wisconsin and these were their responses.
Dia de los Muertos is a day for people to come together and remember their loved ones who have passed. They may set up ofrendas, or altars, with photos, flowers and food. Poet and Milwaukee native Karl Michael Iglesias explores how Latinos manage their grief during this season through his poem, “The Altar.” It’s part of his forthcoming collection of poems called, “The Bounce.”
Spooky tales around Halloween have made their way into listeners’ ears across the country since, almost, the birth of radio. In the spirit of this long tradition, we bring you, “Emily and the Haunting of the Orpheum Theater,” created by WPR’s senior spooky correspondent A. Emily Ralph.
We received a WHYsconsin question from an audience member about a legendary Wisconsin athlete. They asked, “Can you give an update on Wisconsin native and former New York Yankees shortstop and NBC baseball announcer Tony Kubek?” You bet we can!
Most of us wouldn’t think twice about cutting down an old evergreen that has grown more brown than green. But for writer and forester Ron Weber, the bark of one old blue spruce holds more than just the life of a tree.
A lot goes into planning a funeral when a loved one passes away. For writer Yia Lor of Eau Claire, she helped fold thousands of money boats to honor her sister, Jer Lor. She looks back on that time and how she continues the tradition to show her everlasting love.
Every day in courthouses across the state, people’s lives are affected in consequential ways. Author Shauna Singh Baldwin of Milwaukee suggests the stakes can be even higher when there’s a language barrier involved.
The rivalry between Milwaukee Brewers fans and Chicago Cubs fans is heated. All the more so this season, after Craig Counsell went from being the Brewers manager to the Cubs manager. But there is such a thing as a Cubs-Brewers fan — Milwaukee freelance journalist Tom Kertscher is one of them.
Harry Houdini was a master of illusion. Appleton officials have paid tribute to his talents with a museum exhibit and naming rights…all because he spent some time in the city as a child. But, did he love the city as much as it loves him? Does it matter? WPR’s Corrinne Hess takes a barrel ride through the Houdini’s chains to Wisconsin.
Going to camp can be the highlight of some kids’ summers. But what if you didn’t to go to sleepaway camp as a child? Or if you were one of the lucky ones, perhaps you’ve been yearning for those glory days. More summer camps for adults are popping up to fill that void. Ayisha Jaffer attended one in Wisconsin to see what was driving campers to pack their bags and bunk it for the weekend.
Photographers tend to spend a lot of time with their subjects. For astrophotographer Rick Wayne of Madison, his subject for much of his life has been space. What started off as an interest in taking better pictures soon became something much greater, a sense of glory. On one clear night, audio producer Alexandra Salmon joined Wayne to take photographs of the night sky at the Yanna Astronomical Research Station in Brooklyn, Wisconsin.
In the summer of 1966, activist Father James Groppi and the NAACP Youth Council led a series of Civil Rights marches in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. As writer and historian John Gurda tells us, he was 19 at the time and one particular night left a lasting impression on him.
The Lac du Flambeau tribe got its name from French traders who observed tribal members harvesting fish from canoes at night by torchlight. More than 200 years later, the Lake Superior band is trying to keep such traditions alive by holding camps that teach tribal youth how to fish. WPR’s Danielle Kaeding tagged along with dozens of kids taking part, some of whom were picking up a pole for the first time.
Summer time in Milwaukee is more than beer gardens and beach parties. It’s also cruising season, where people bring out their favorite cars they’ve stored away all winter. Eric Ramos from the southside of Milwaukee has grown up in the culture…specifically, the lowrider culture. As Jimmy Gutierrez tells us, Ramos is helping that scene grow.
Wellness books and self-care social media accounts often stress the importance of “living in the moment.” But, what if you’re just not that into the current moment? How do you approach things more positively? Journalist Olivia Herken has been thinking about this a lot lately, specifically when it comes to her least favorite month: August.
“The Wizard Of Oz” is a beloved, iconic film that has captivated generations of fans. Author Dean Robbins of Madison tells the story of Watertown, Wisconsin native, Meinhardt Raabe, whose thirteen second role as the coroner in the movie was part of a long and fulfilling life.
The local library is an important place for a community. It’s a collection of knowledge and art. A resource for learning and exploring. And for Eau Claire writer BJ Hollars, it’s even a place to turn up the music and dance.
Sprinter Kenny Bednarek can outrun the fastest athletes in the world. But before the track and field star won a silver medal in the men’s 200 meter event in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, he was a kid racing his brother in Rice Lake. And now, he’s running in his second Summer Olympic Games. In Paris, he’ll be competing in the men’s track and field 100m and 200m events.
Phoebe Bacon has been swimming since she was 2 years old, spending summer days at the pool with her family. Now, the 21-year-old Wisconsin Badger is heading to her second Olympics to compete in the women’s 200m backstroke.
Two-time Olympian Stephanie Roble talks about the joys of sailing as well as her roots on Wisconsin’s Lake Beulah. The East Troy native is competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics Games in Paris in sailing on a 49erFX boat with teammate Maggie Shea of Illinois.
Wisconsinites are proud of many element’s of the state’s culture. But one that it’s notorious for is so connected to everyday life that it can be difficult to realize when it has a hold on someone. John Plageman talked with his mother, Kathleen Plageman, about alcohol addiction and life after sobriety during a StoryCorps Mobile Tour stop in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The world’s best athletes will soon be descending upon the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Watching thousands of runners, swimmers and gymnasts enter the stadium for the Opening Ceremony is electric. But then, when you think about all the people who helped those athletes succeed and get them to where they are now, that’s inspiring.Nancy Jorgensen is one of those people behind-the-scenes. The Waukesha writer — and mother — tells us about raising an Olympian.
Dan Jacobs has received numerous accolades as a chef in Milwaukee, including as a James Beard Award semifinalist. He’s cofounder of the American-Chinese restaurant DanDan and fine dining spot EsterEv. Jacobs became the hometown hero on the most recent season of “Top Chef: Wisconsin.” He talked with Steve Gotcher of WPR’s “BETA” about representing the city of Milwaukee on the show, while also bringing awareness to Kennedy’s Disease, which he’s had since 2016.
A Chicken Q is a name for a charcoal chicken dinner sold as part of a fundraiser. But the name is really only known regionally in the La Crosse area — places like Tomah, Black River Falls and Prairie du Chien. They are also popular among nonprofit groups like fire departments in Trempealeau County, north of La Crosse. WPR producer John Davis reported this story and digital news editor Andrea Anderson voiced it. This story came from an audience question as part of the WHYsconsin project.
The art of quilting goes back thousands of years, with different communities, families and artists developing their own style. Heidi Parkes has found her own niche in quilting by creating collages that tell stories. WPR’s Margaret Faust visited Parkes in her studio at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, where she’s the Artist in Residence.
No matter where we live in Wisconsin, we share our community with birds. Writer Ron Davis of Eau Claire has been thinking a lot about his feathered neighbors, particularly the crows.
America’s favorite pastime might not be the preferred recreational activity for everyone, like writer Jill Sisson Quinn. But then, her son fell in love with baseball. Because of his unwavering adulation, the joy of the sport might just have spread to his once indifferent parents.
Losing someone special is never easy. But thankfully, a person can live on through storytelling. Using the power of stories, we remember precious moments and share what they meant to the world. Miriam Brabham of Green Bay reflects on her memory of her grandmother and how her passing impacted her perspective on life.
Circus fans from across the country came to Baraboo recently for the 65th Big Top Parade, formerly known as the Great Circus Parade. Spectators witnessed historic wagons, a calliope pulled by miniature horses, and clowns riding in a convertible. WPR’s Robert D’Andrea caught up with some of the circus fans along the parade route.
Ana Torres came to Baraboo as a teenager and fell in love with the city. Now she owns Las Milpas, a restaurant and Latino grocery store. As Wisconsin Life’s Maria Brunetta tells us, it’s more than a business…Torres strives to make it a place that strengthens the community.
Harry Whitehorse of Monona, Wisconsin was a prolific artist who painted and created mixed media and wood sculptures for almost 90 years. That’s why a new festival, the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival, is named in his honor.
Sports fans across Wisconsin can spend their summers watching college baseball players compete in the Northwoods League on teams like the La Crosse Loggers and the Madison Mallards. This summer, that league is expanding to add softball teams, like the La Crosse Steam and the Madison Night Mares. WPR’s Jenny Peek joined some Night Mares players at the ballpark to get a sense of what to expect from their inaugural season.
When someone downsizes their home, they have to think about what stays and what goes. But what do people do with relics from their life that carry deep meaning, like old trophies, that can’t make the transition into a new space? At the Nationwide Trophy Recycling program in Madison, Wisconsin, staff and volunteers take old trophies for a fee and recycle the parts. Then, they rebuild new trophies and give them away for free to nonprofits nationwide. Alexandra Salmon takes us on a tour of the shop.
Spring is peak season for baby animals in Wisconsin. It’s also the busiest time of year for wildlife rehabbers, as they’re flooded with calls about wounded or orphaned critters. As WPR’s Sarah Lehr tells us, one group of humans in south central Wisconsin is bringing wildlife into their homes…to care for those animals until they can fend for themselves.
Wisconsin isn’t typically thought of as being at the heart of country music, but did you know that half of one of country’s greatest songwriting duos is from Milwaukee? As Justin Barney tells us, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and co-wrote “Rocky Top,” the state song of Tennessee. But first, they met in a dream in Milwaukee.
There are memories that you hold dear to your heart, knowing you’ll never experience those often simple moments again. Change can feel so gradual that when you look back, you forget just how drastic it can really be. Pat Faherty of Milwaukee talked with husband, Dennis, about those kinds of memories, from life as a kid in cities like Memphis and Jacksonville, Florida. The couple talked about their experience with StoryCorps.
There’s been a lot of excitement over the slapstick comedy “Hundreds of Beavers,” with movie fans and critics leaving theaters around the globe in awe. It was filmed in northern Wisconsin and its star and writer, Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, is a Whitefish Bay native. As WPR’s Evan Casey tells us, the 33 year-old has always been obsessed with making movies.
It’s been a few weeks since the solar eclipse captivated many of us. Some Wisconsinites, like WPR’s Norman Gilliland, traveled to Illinois to witness the rare totality. While the moments of darkness have stuck with him, there’s another phenomenon he can’t stop thinking about: finding other Wisconsin eclipse chasers far from home at an EV charging station.
Jewish people around the world are in the midst of celebrating Passover. The holiday opens with a Seder meal and commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. The spring renewal festival has writer Mark Griffin of Madison reflecting on his own life and his evolving relationship with his beliefs.
Yazmin Lopez of Fitchburg was feeling restless as a stay-at-home mom. So she went on a self-discovery journey and ended up starting her own business: Katharisma Cleaning. In a partnership with Midwest Mujeres, WPR’s “Wisconsin Life” shares the stories of Lopez and five other women working to build community and better themselves in southern Wisconsin.
People find happiness in all sorts of ways: listening to music, hiking or spending quality time with loved ones. But what if our state of bliss was actually dependent on our geography? Writer Eric Dregni explored this idea after traveling overseas.
We live in a time when fake news permeates social media feeds and partisan coverage blasts through some cable news channels. Teaching media literacy can help people wade through the disinformation and become critical news consumers. As Christina Lieffring tells us, a video game created by UW-Madison’s Field Day Labs aims to teach students to become more media literate and what it takes to be a journalist.
“What if we, as doulas and midwives, are agents of social change?” asked Tamara N. Thompson, a doula based in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She dives into this concept and shares what led her to becoming a birthworker. In a partnership with Midwest Mujeres, WPR’s “Wisconsin Life” shares the stories of Thompson and five other women working to build community and better themselves in southern Wisconsin.
Life on the farm used to be a common experience for many in this state. But with the number of family farms dwindling in Wisconsin, fewer people grow up ingrained in the hard working, family tradition that has bonded communities for generations. Eileen Bordeleau talked about life on the farm in Wayside, Wisconsin with her daughter, Rachel, as part of a StoryCorps Mobile Tour stop in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Shadayra Kilfoy-Flores has been involved in her Madison communities for decades. But, when her family friend, Tony Robinson Jr., was killed by a police officer, she sprang into action to try to improve police accountability. In a partnership with Midwest Mujeres, WPR’s “Wisconsin Life” shares the stories of Kilfoy-Flores and five other women working to build community and better themselves in southern Wisconsin.
Legendary advice columnists Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren dished out wise and witty advice to millions of readers for more than half a century. The two were also twins – and sometimes bitter rivals. But before they were famous, they lived in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for more than a decade. Writer Dean Robbins brings you the story of the sisters who, perhaps, could have used some advice themselves.
Samantha Green of Madison has a philosophy she lives by: nothing is impossible. She channels that with every pivot in her life while striving to one day own her own camping resort. In a partnership with Midwest Mujeres, WPR’s “Wisconsin Life” shares the stories of Green and five other women working to build community and better themselves in southern Wisconsin.
As the saying goes – home is where the heart is. But for writer BJ Hollars of Eau Claire, it’s a little more complicated than that. We can become deeply connected to our physical homes, so moving – and moving on – can be a process.
Katalina Sanchez of Madison has always been interested in art, which led her to open Graffiti Nail Salon. In a partnership with Midwest Mujeres, WPR’s “Wisconsin Life” shares the stories of Sanchez and five other women working to build community and better themselves in southern Wisconsin.
Earning a masters degree and launching a business is no easy feat. WPR’s Margaret Faust met Jordan Schroeter of Grafton to see how he did it while also living with a rare, genetic and progressive neuromuscular disorder.
Angela Morgan of Madison was feeling uninspired in her job a few years back. It was too rigid. So, she decided to take a huge risk and started her own business: Food Junkies Catering. In a partnership with Midwest Mujeres, WPR’s “Wisconsin Life” shares the stories of Morgan and five other women working to build community and better themselves in southern Wisconsin.
Drummer Viola Smith was a musical trailblazer and innovator. Known as “the fastest girl drummer in the world,” her career lasted almost 100 years. Author Dean Robbins took a trip to her hometown in Fond du Lac County to tell us more about this legend. He’s also written a children’s picture book about the musician, “The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith!”
How do you travel halfway around the world and still feel connected to home? For WPR’s Carina Abrego-Koch of Green Bay, she listened to the sound of her own voice — and the voice of someone she loves — while on a trip to London. She shares her story as part of the “Home Is Here” project, which amplifies the voices of the growing number of Black, Asian, Native American and Hispanic residents who call northeastern Wisconsin home. The project is part of the NEW News Lab – a local news collaboration in northeastern Wisconsin made up of six news organizations.
Tattoos can tell the story of a person’s life. They feature aesthetic beauty, inside jokes or family memories. Some of Daniel Schleicher’s tattoos memorialize his favorite people.His story comes to us from the Odyssey Beyond Bars project, which provides classes for students incarcerated in Wisconsin through the UW Odyssey Project. Schleicher’s story is also featured in the newest season of the “Human Powered” podcast, “Humanity Unlocked,” which is focusing on people impacted by the justice system in Wisconsin.
The pandemic brought many annual festivals to a halt. This summer, some are finally making their long-awaited comeback…like Greek Fest Plus in Madison. To celebrate its anticipated return, we revisit this story from 2019, when Carol Griskavich talked with organizers from Assumption Greek Orthodox Church about the history of the festival.
When you take a risk in life, you’ve got to prepare for the unexpected. Milwaukee journalist Tom Kertscher recalls how joining a video dating service provided him an experience unlike any other.
What’s one of the best ways to combat hate? For Jesús Gregorio Smith of Appleton, it’s to push back with love…something he did after a homophobic sign appeared in town. He shares his story as part of the “Home Is Here” project, which amplifies the voices of the growing number of Black, Asian, Native American and Latino residents who call northeastern Wisconsin home. The project is part of the NEW News Lab – a local news collaboration in northeastern Wisconsin made up of six news organizations.
Two Wisconsin teens in search of adventure in July 1973 rode their 10-speed bikes from Antigo, Wisconsin through Minnesota, to the Canadian border and back. Fifty years later, they reprised the 900-mile ride. As Jan Larson tells us they had to make a few adjustments, and had a new purpose.
There are so many activities that define summertime as a kid. Maybe it’s running through a sprinkler. Trips to the library. Playing tag through the neighbors’ yards. For writer Ron Weber, it was playing baseball…something he looks back on with deeply fond memories.
Feeling like you’re different from your peers can have a big impact on your self-acceptance. But as Miriam Brabham of Green Bay tells us, a nurturing community helped her learn how to love her hair. She shares her story as part of the “Home Is Here” project, which amplifies the voices of the growing number of Black, Asian, Native American and Hispanic residents who call northeastern Wisconsin home. The project is part of the NEW News Lab – a local news collaboration in northeastern Wisconsin made up of six news organizations.
Summer calendars in Wisconsin seem to overflow with music festivals. One of the longest-running gatherings is Larryfest, which has been showcasing some of the region’s best acoustic roots music since before it was back in the mainstream. WPR’s Ezra Wall tells us more about its lasting legacy in La Farge, Wisconsin.
Home means different things to different people. Home can be the house you grew up in, a quiet spot in the woods, or right beside your favorite person. For Mai Lo Lee of Appleton, defining her home is complicated. She shares her story as part of the “Home Is Here” project, which amplifies the voices of the growing number of Black, Asian, Native American and Hispanic residents who call northeastern Wisconsin home. The project is part of the NEW News Lab – a local news collaboration in northeastern Wisconsin made up of six news organizations.
For lots of folks in Madison, going to Concerts on the Square is a summer tradition. For some people, the classical music by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is the highlight. But for WPR’s Bridgit Bowden, the best part is a song called “Home to Madison.”
For many survivors of domestic abuse, finding affordable housing can be a challenge. And then finding furniture to fill that new space…that can be less of a priority. But as WPR’s Gaby Vinick reports, the nonprofit Felicia’s Donation Closet is providing Dane County families with sofas, beds and decor to help turn their apartments into homes.
The connection between a grandmother and her granddaughter — and mother and daughter — is special, especially when it’s bound by braids. Writer Araceli Esparza tells us more about it in the story, “Braided Life.”
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels may be the most recognizable group of performing aviators in the world. Flying at up to 60 air shows in North America each year, the F-18 pilots who constitute this unit are among the best of the US Navy and Marine Corps. One of the pilots on the current squadron is a Wisconsin native Lieutenant Commander Griffin Stangel, who grew up in Madison. Milwaukee-based podcaster Dusty Weis got to know Stangel while flying with the Blue Angels.
Listener Chris Murphy of Madison asked our WHYsconsin project, “Why are there a higher concentration of outsider artist environments in Wisconsin than anywhere else in the U.S.?” WPR’s Tim Peterson turned to the experts to learn more about the monuments and sculpture parks that embrace celebrate concrete, gems, and trinkets.
The 1970s were the height of the second wave of feminism, where women were advocating for equal rights and opportunities to men in the US. In 1971, one woman expressed her feminist views through art made out of a unique medium: bras. Molly Hunken brings us the story of “The Land of the Freed-up Woman,” which is part of the Wisconsin 101 project. It tells the history of Wisconsin through objects.
We all learn lessons from our parents…how to cook a traditional family people, how to have compassion or how to play an instrument. For Dr. Arif Ahmad of Madison, his parents taught him about optimism. The writer and cardiologist shares this poem about that lesson.
For a brief time, Palestinian exchange student Anastasia had a window of what life as a Wisconsin teenager could be. The 15-year-old made friends playing soccer at Monroe High School. She fell in love with local coffee shops. But as WPR’s Corrinne Hess tells us, her world was shattered with a phone call.
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night can stop postal carriers from delivering the mail – so the unofficial motto goes. But for some teenage mail carriers in southern Wisconsin, there are even more hurdles to surmount. As WPR’s Sarah Lehr tells us, the Lake Geneva mail jumpers hop from ship to shore as they deliver letters to lakefront homes.
In the late 2000s, Apple popularized the phrase “There’s an app for that,” highlighting the abundance of apps available for the iPhone. But when Annie Vang of Madison got into app development around the same time, she didn’t see programs made in the Hmong language. Producer Hope Kirwan has more on the app she built and the way it’s keeping native speakers and beginners connected to the language.
The culture of coffee can be seen everywhere – from the aisles of your local grocery store, to the wide variety of options on the menus at big box chains and small local shops. Wisconsinite Ryan Castelaz is on a quest to raise the bar even further for the drink he’s so passionate about. He’s the founder of Discourse Coffee in Milwaukee and the author of the new book, “The New Art of Coffee – From Morning Cup to Caffeine Cocktail.”
Sometimes, we can take the world’s beauty for granted. We don’t notice these natural works of wonder that are in front of us every single day… Until we do. For writer Catherine Jagoe, it took a global pandemic to open her eyes to the trees that surrounded her in Madison.
Learning to ride a bike can be a milestone in a person’s life. Lately, WPR producer and local DAD Brad Kolberg has been thinking about when he first learned how to ride a bike, teaching his daughter to ride, and what biking has meant to his family over the years. All because of a song he recently heard by Pedro the Lion.
There’s a certain point every spring in Wisconsin, when it seems like winter is finally gone for good. We put our heavy coats away for the season. Trees and flowers begin to bloom. And, as WPR’s Bridgit Bowden tells us, we begin to hear songbirds welcoming warmer weather.
Cities inevitably change through the decades. People move in and out. Businesses come and go. Often times, these shifts are most obvious in your own neighborhood. Author and historian John Gurda has been reflecting on changes surrounding his childhood home in Milwaukee’s Layton Park. He talks about how waves of immigration continue adding to the rich history of this beloved neighborhood.
Many of us grow up singing our family’s favorite songs. They can carry a deeper meaning if they’re rooted in tradition. For writer Jen Rubin of Madison, she’s fortunate to have recordings of her grandmother’s songs … tapes that were recently called upon during a family crisis.
The oldest Lionel Railroad Club in the world is hiding inside a boxy commercial building in New Berlin, just outside Milwaukee. Jane Hampden discovered the club when she was ready to say goodbye to a special set of vintage Lionel trains, which came from her grandparents.
For those who have fought and died in the U.S. Armed Forces, they leave with their families the weight of their sacrifice. Holly Higgins of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, lost her son, Daniel Johnson, while he served in the U.S. Air Force in Afghanistan in 2010. Higgins talks about dealing with the loss with her other son, Erik Johnson, a Specialist in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. They shared their experience as part of StoryCorps’ Military Voices Initiative, which is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Sijo is a form of poetry that originated in Korea about 700 years ago. Today, it’s gaining popularity right here in Wisconsin, as educators have established an annual Wisconsin Sijo Competition. Saemee Kim recently talked with some of the organizers about their love of the art form.
Gardening season is upon us. For people blessed with a green thumb, this is their moment to shine … they’re sowing the seeds now to reap the rewards later. For others, the idea of planning a garden bed is daunting, especially if you have bad track record for keeping plants alive. But as Mark Griffin tells us, there is hope for the most unskilled gardeners.
UW-Oshkosh has completed a massive oral history project documenting the campus’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As WPR’s Joe Schulz reports, it could serve as a resource to help future historians understand the pandemic’s impact on higher education in the United States.
Many of us are grateful for everything our mothers taught us. For Jana Rose Schleis, she’s thankful that her mom — Betty Schleis of Two Creeks, Wisconsin — taught her how to be beautiful.
Menominee tribal member Rae Elaine Tourtillott was 18 when she went missing on the tribe’s reservation during the fall of 1986. Tribal police and the FBI found her remains the following spring. The case remains unsolved and no arrests have been made in connection with her death. Tourtillott’s daughter, Alysse Arce, and cousin, Andrea Lemke-Rochon, sat down to talk about her with WPR’s Danielle Kaeding. They also shared their hopes for a new Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force.
A major event in sports history took place in September 1943. Two teams played in the first championship series of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. As writer Dean Robbins tells us, both teams were from Wisconsin.
Sometimes when we’re far from home, it’s nice to have something familiar around to keep us connected. Writer Eric Dregni has lived in Norway and Wisconsin. And by pure coincidence, he and his son have found a connection in both places with the same, familiar thing: a stave church.
Here’s a classic joke: A miner, a sailor and a badger walk into a busy bar. Actually, it’s not a bar … it’s the Wisconsin state flag. Dive in to find out what all the symbols mean on this state symbol. This story comes from a listener question as part of our WHYsconsin project.
Every author has their own way of writing — they get in the zone, channel their creativity, and then (hopefully!) words start flowing onto the page or screen.There’s a writer in Madison that does this by writing in Morse code. Author Steven Salmon shares his experience of being a professional writer with Cerebral palsy while also living in a group home. He calls this story “The Tapping Author” and it’s read by WPR’s Norman Gilliland.
Wisconsin seems to have a pretty good sense of humor about its clichés. Beer? Brats? Cheese? Bring it on.And if we’re making a list, let’s add polka!A question came in from Josie, an elementary school student in Mineral Point, who asked, “How did the polka become a dance and a tradition?” So WPR’s WHYsconsin followed up with her and answered her question.
Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson helped organize the first Earth Day in 1970, after growing concerns for the environment. Since then, it’s been a day to celebrate our natural resources while also drawing attention to increasing threats to them. Madison writer Araceli Esparza wanted to take this Earth Day to do her own reflecting on Wisconsin’s environment through poetry.
We’re living in a time when things feel so … polarized. Us vs. them. I’m right, you’re wrong. But writer and cardiologist Dr. Arif Ahmad of Madison wants to remind people that there’s so much good in the world and that we have to take care of one another. He shares a few writings from his book, “A Piece of Me,” about Good Samaritans in Wisconsin
A house fire is a tragic thing to live through, and comedian Jacy Catlin would agree – he’s done it. But in his new short film, “Everything I Learned When My House Burned Down,” he also proves that tragedy + time = comedy.
A Fox Valley librarian has created a monthly event at a local brewery to help even the busiest people continue to be lifelong readers. WPR’s Joe Schulz has more on how Short Story Nights in Neenah have fostered a sense of community for five years.
James Blankenheim of Madison, Wisconsin and Everett Wood of Vincennes, Indiana are friends who served together during the Vietnam War. They have many shared experiences, including the realities of combat, the struggles of integration after returning home, and the excitement of forging one’s path in life.Blankenheim and Wood shared their memories as part of StoryCorps’ Military Voices Initiative, which is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As a warning, parts of this story describe battleground violence.
Chef Jamie Hoang grew up loving spicy food, lime and cilantro. And that love and those flavors go into her recipes at Madison’s Ahan, a restaurant built on her culinary talent and Lao roots. Now, Hoang’s work is being recognized by the James Beard Awards as a semifinalist for Emerging Chef.
Wisconsin is one of 12 states that requires Native American content to be taught in schools. That prompted listener Maria Novotny to reach out to WPR’s WHYsconsin project, asking us how educators are teaching this in the classroom. As WPR’s Gaby Vinick reports, schools are working to integrate Indigenous histories, cultures and tribal sovereignty into the curriculum. But some educators say they’re concerned schools are not adequately tapping into available resources.
Irish dance is booming in Milwaukee, where there are seven dance schools and counting. Irish dancers typically keep their arms straight at their sides while their legs quickly leap, kick and shuffle across the floor.In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, WPR’s Maureen McCollum attended an Irish dance competition, known as a feis, in Oconomowoc in 2014 to check out Wisconsin’s dancers and teachers.
Some people get really passionate about taking sides on everyday things that make our lives a little sweeter. Coke vs. Pepsi. The Beatles vs. The Stones. Biggie vs. Tupac.And of course, manual vs. automatic transmission.Writer Nancy Jorgensen is Team Manual and tells us about her love of — and nostalgia for — driving stick shift.
Wisconsin has a rich history in politics that has influenced many of the nation’s major political movements. Contributor Eric Dregni takes a look at Wisconsin’s connection to socialism.
There’s a peninsula just off Lake Michigan in Milwaukee that has lived many lives. Today, Jones Island is home to a sewage treatment plant, piles of salt and rail cars. But, it was once home to thriving communities, from the Potawatomi to European immigrants.Jones Island is also the subject of a new Milwaukee PBS documentary co-written by author and historian John Gurda called “People of the Port: A Jones Island Documentary.” As Gurda tells us, a Polish immigrant community flocked to the area. They were drawn in for the same reason as Jones Island’s earliest settlers — fishing.
Snow snake is a traditional game played by tribes during the winter. It originated with the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois Confederacy out east. Tribal members craft javelins out of wood called snow snakes, and they compete to see who can throw them the farthest. WPR’s Danielle Kaeding made the trek to Madeline Island this winter as members of tribes from around the region attended the Mooningwanakaaning Minis Inter-Tribal Snow Snake Festival.
According to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, mozzarella is the most popular cheese in the U.S … and Wisconsin producers make more of it than anyone else. As Jana Rose Schleis tells us, a lot of that mozzarella ends up on pizza, making Wisconsin a leader in frozen pizza production, as well.
Off a highway in northwest Wisconsin’s Washburn County sits a long string of parked railcars of different shapes and sizes. A listener who regularly passes these railcars was curious about them. So, she reached out to WHYsconsin to figure out why they are there.
In most cities and towns, there are last names that stick out. Maybe the family has lived there for generations. Perhaps they’re notorious. Or maybe they own a well-known business. For writer Sandy Reitman of Milwaukee, her semi-famous last name sticks out mostly thanks to her beloved uncle, radio legend Bob Reitman.
Dunn County in western Wisconsin once had access to the Mississippi River. Its early boundary held for four years until its southernmost portion got swept up in politics and emerged as Pepin County. WPR’s Liz Dohms-Harter brings us the answer to a WHYsconsin question about how Pepin County got its unique shape.
As a kid, knocking around the neighborhood with your friends can be a formative time. The experiences from those years can resonate for decades. Matthew Lewis of Milwaukee shared a story about finding his identity. He told it at Ex Fabula’s Identity event held in March 2020.
In the mid-1970s, Lisa Chue Thao and her family had to leave their whole world behind. Their farm, their friends, their home. They lived in northwest Laos and the horrors of war were creeping in. So, they started walking and ended up in a refugee camp in Thailand. In the 1980s, Lisa moved to Eau Claire and raised her family there. She shares that experience in this essay, which she told to and is read by her daughter, Yia Lor.
The meat raffle. A beloved game where the prize is a frozen turkey, a box of steaks or a chain of sausage links. For writer and vegetarian Patti See, winning a package of meat can bring on peak joy at her favorite local taverns in Lake Hallie.
Joyce Salter Johnson has loved history her entire life. But as a descendant of people who were enslaved, the Madison author’s family history — like the history of many Black families across the country — was largely struck from the historical record. Johnson had to take it upon herself to uncover her family’s roots.
So many people dream of going to outer space and becoming an astronaut. Laurel Clark made that a reality. As writer Dean Robbins tells us, the Wisconsinite strived for greatness her entire life. We share her story on the 20th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, in which Clark was one of seven astronauts to tragically pass away.
Volunteers are busy in Westby, Wisconsin, getting ready for the Snowflake Ski Club’s annual tournament. As WPR’s Ezra Wall tells us, this year is extra special since the Club is celebrating its 100th year.
In the 1990s, Osvaldo Durruthy was so desperate to get out of prison that he concocted a plan to kill the most hated man behind bars in Wisconsin. He thought the attack would get him deported to Cuba, a country he hadn’t stepped foot in since 1980, when he left as part of the mass exodus known as the Mariel Boatlift.
Deer hunting is a family tradition for many people in Wisconsin. But what do you do with the venison once you get home? As Briana Rupel tells us, her family in northern Wisconsin gets together to cold-smoke sausage.
Trolls are everywhere you look in the Dane County Village of Mount Horeb: troll cartoons on the street signs, troll footprints on the sidewalk, sculptures of trolls lining Main Street. The sheer number of trolls in the community prompted a WHYsconsin listener to ask, “What’s the deal with all the trolls?” WPR’s Tim Peterson went in search of some answers.
Comedian Esteban Touma is taking time to reflect on cold weather in Wisconsin. Born and raised in Ecuador, the state’s severe winters have tested him. But, an even greater challenge for Touma has been acclimating to how much Wisconsinites like to TALK about the weather.
Some animals hibernate to survive the winter. Humans aren’t one of them but that hasn’t stopped writer Krista Eastman from imagining her perfect winter abode.
Thousands of Ojibwe horses once roamed in the northern United States and Canada in the early 20th century. But, the rare breed almost disappeared entirely by the late 1970s. Last year, a descendant of the White Earth Nation raised money to rescue six Ojibwe horses and give them a home in northwestern Wisconsin. WPR’s Danielle Kaeding brings us this audio postcard about Emily Loerzel, who founded a nonprofit organization called the Humble Horse, which aims to keep the rare breed alive.
The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are a staple in southern Wisconsin’s parade scene. With their matching outfits and dance routines, they bring joy and inspiration to people…even after an unthinkable tragedy.
Meet the Select Committee on Election Predictions, a bipartisan group of political observers in La Crosse which has been wagering money, beer and fish fry on the outcome of elections for nearly 50 years.
Parents will go to great lengths to make sure their kids have the perfect Christmas. Parents like Jan Larson of Eau Claire, who tells us about the quest she went on to find a particular bear for her son.
There’s a teenager in Oshkosh who’s had a lifelong love of Christmas lights. Brody Enli has taken that passion to new heights with a choreographed light display that’s raised thousands of dollars for charity. WPR’s Joe Schulz has more on how Enli uses his hobby to support the community.
Paul Bunyan stories are plentiful. He cleared forests with one swing of his ax. He and his trusty bovine, Babe the Blue Ox, dug the Great Lakes to quench the thirst of his fellow loggers. He created the Mississippi River by simply dragging his ax behind him. But why? That’s what Ryan Urban of Rice Lake wanted to know, so he reached out to Wisconsin Public Radio’s WHYsconsin.
Food can conjure up vivid memories of childhood. The tastes and smells can send us to another place, while creating new memories in the moment. Writer Nancy Jorgensen has been thinking a lot about her German heritage and being “raised on raw” foods.
On the main drag of downtown Wisconsin Dells lies a mysterious world called Wizard Quest. Here, visitors are immersed in a fantasy world and embark on an adventure to complete a number of quests. They answer questions about the environment, decipher riddles and investigate hidden passageways. WPR’s Trina La Susa visited Wizard Quest to learn more about the family behind this unique tourist attraction that she’s enjoyed since childhood.
Imagine making it as a musician not only once, but at two distinct moments in your life. That’s what happened to jazz saxophonist Frank Morgan of Milwaukee. Author Dean Robbins brings us the story on the musician’s rebirth and stardom.
Where we live and the relationships we nurture have a big impact on our lives. Writer Araceli Esparza of Madison shares a poem about the adventures and connections made in your neighborhood.
Jesse Brookstein takes snacking seriously. The New York native has fond memories of his uncle sharing unique, flattened meat snacks with the whole family during the Upstate summer vacations of his childhood. When Brookstein relocated to Wisconsin a few years ago, he noticed those same meat snacks from his childhood on display all over the place in area taverns, gas stations and grocery stores. The self-described “all-around meat geek” got curious about it, started doing some research, and eventually wrote the book, “A Perfect Pair: The History of Landjaeger in Green County, Wisconsin.”
For many Wisconsin families, hunting is an annual tradition rooted in customs and love. But what happens when those traditions are disrupted, when members of that deer camp are no longer with us? Ron Weber shares his experience with this in “A Hunt to Remember.”
In a particular neighborhood in Madison, there are birds you don’t need binoculars to see. They tower three feet tall and stand completely still. WPR’s Jenny Peek introduces us to Madison-based artist Jo Jensen, who started crafting the giant wooden birds for her neighbors during the pandemic.
At one point in time, thousands of effigy mounds could be found in what is now called Wisconsin. These ancient burial sites are still significant to members of the state’s First Nations. We recently received a question through the WHYsconsin project from a listener who wanted to know more about the effigy mounds. WPR’s Liz Dohms went to learn more about the people who created them.
Carson Gulley was a Black culinary, radio and TV pioneer in the mid-1900s. Now, his legacy lives on at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, after it named a dining venue after him. He’s also known for his fudge-bottom pies. But Scott Seyforth, an assistant director of residence life at University Housing that he has read more than 100 interviews with Gulley — and not once did his now-famous fudge-bottom pies come up. He talked about this — and his adversity despite the discrimination — on WPR’s “The Larry Meiller Show.”
If you ask around, you’ll likely hear that ghosts are lurking on University of Wisconsin- Madison’s historic campus. From things like the very real graves atop Bascom Hill, to generations of student lore, many have reported that the history here, sometimes goes bump in the night. WPR’s A. Emily Ralph explores this intersection of history and rumor in one of the university’s oldest buildings — UW-Madison’s Science Hall.
Wisconsin is known for producing a lot of products, like cheese, milk, and beer. It’s the state’s history with the beer industry that made one listener wonder what happened to Wisconsin’s breweries and alcohol production during prohibition. She reached out to WPR’s WHYsconsin to find out. Callie Donavan has the answer.
Running a family business can instill pride and a valuable work ethic that circulates through the household. Wisconsin writer Nancy Jorgensen shares a story about her father, Quentin Smirl, and growing up around his printing business, Lithoprint Company in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She says it had a lasting impact on future generations of the family.
When Ernesto Rodriguez of La Crosse was 24 years old, he left the only home he’d ever known: Cuba. He, along with 125,000 of his fellow Cubans, hopped on boats bound for the United States in 1980. They were part of the mass exodus known as the Mariel Boatlift, a rare moment when President Fidel Castro allowed residents to leave the island. And after he was sent to Fort McCoy, he moved in the Brandstetter family in Sparta, Wisconsin.
Primate research has led to countless scientific breakthroughs. But when a monkey is no longer needed for research, what happens next can be an ethical quandary. In south central Wisconsin, a team runs a sanctuary for monkeys, as a way to say thank you for their contributions to science. Jana Rose Schleis brings us the story of Primates Incorporated.
In 1980, there was a mass exodus of Cubans who left their homes for the United States as part of the Mariel Boatlift. It was a rare opportunity for people to leave the island, as President Fidel Castro opened his borders and allowed people to be reunited with family, find new opportunities and even leave prison. Of the 125,000 Cuban people who left, almost 15,000 of them were sent to Fort McCoy in Sparta, Wisconsin. In this podcast, Cubans who remained in Wisconsin and became family to one another share untold stories about their early lives, moving to the U.S. and what life has been like in Wisconsin. Hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” host Maureen McCollum and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse professor Omar Granados, the eight-episode podcast will debut on October 12, 2022.
Retired Legal Chief Lorrie McNeal Saylor of Kenosha knew before she graduated high school that she wanted to see the world. She was ready for something different, for new experiences outside of her childhood home in Alabama. So, she joined the United States Navy, travelled the globe and made lifelong friends from many cultures along the way. Saylor’s daughter, Erika Saylor, interviewed her about her experiences as part of StoryCorps’ Military Voices Initiative, which is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
As people enter the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, they’re transported from a relatively flat region to a sudden maze of rolling hills. Roads wind up the sides of bluffs and then back down to the valleys below. Its beauty is without question. But where does the name Driftless come from? WHYsconsin went to find the answer.
Imagine donating one of your organs to a complete stranger. Missy Makinia of Ladysmith did after hearing a little girl in her town needed one. Her amazing story comes to us from our friends at “To The Best Of Our Knowledge” from WPR and PRX.
Comedian Charlie Hill grew up in Oneida, Wisconsin watching his favorite comics get laughs on late night TV. He eventually ended up as a 30-year regular at The Comedy Store, launched a career in acting, and performed comedy on many of the biggest TV talk shows, including “The Tonight Show.” WPR’s “BETA” recently featured comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff, who talked about Hill’s path to becoming an unsung hero of comedy and a symbol of hope for many Indigenous people.
Hurricane Fiona has devastated Puerto Rico. Its destruction came almost exactly five years after another terrible natural disaster, Hurricane Maria. After the 2017 storm, Puerto Ricans living stateside watched the disaster from afar, many felt powerless. Poet Karl Michael Iglesias wanted to help in a way only he could. So, the Milwaukee native and Brooklyn resident channeled his thoughts into a debut poetry collection, “Catch A Glow.”
Author Eric Dregni has been a keen observer of roadside attractions for years. He recently wrote the book “The Impossible Road Trip” that chronicles the most famous stops across the United States. And, believe it or not, Wisconsin is home to some of the quirkiest. From La Crosse to the Dells and Hayward, Dregni takes you on a tour of the best roadside attractions across the state.
Have you ever wondered what the biggest animal in Wisconsin is? If so, you’re a lot like Alstan Van Overmeer of Mineral Point. When he was in 4th grade, he asked WPR’s WHYsconsin project to find the answer for him. So, WPR’s Colleen Leahy went to track down the state’s biggest animals.
Sometimes, an ordinary experience surprises us — turning the mundane into something extraordinary. Writer Crystal Chan felt this on a walk she took in her neighborhood with a friend, reminding them of the power of being present and enjoying the moment.
Another summer is fading away and try as we might to keep it here, fall and winter are just ahead. Writer Amy Jo Barker reflects on summer delights and tells us how we might be able to preserve a little of it, even on the coldest nights.
Many of us have strong memories tied to making food with our families. Writer Araceli Esparza shares a poem about the bonds that are nurtured while making fresh, fluffy tortillas from scratch.
We all have a lot of things to cross off our to-do lists. Have you taken the trash out? Are the bills paid? Laundry folded? And if you’re writer Catherine Jagoe, have you paused and turned your gaze skyward at dusk, to witness the dance of the chimney swifts?
Ope! Sorry, didn’t mean to cut into your regularly scheduled public radio programming. But, we’re here today to tell you a bit about the beloved word, ‘Ope!’ and its possible connection to the Midwest. The popularity of the word prompted a WHYsconsin listener to wonder where it comes from. WPR’s Andrea Anderson scooches in with the answer.
You know the action movie character John Wick? The assassin who avenges the death of his dog? Well, did you know the real John Wick lives in Wisconsin? Matt Geiger introduces us to him.
You don’t have to travel far to find adventure. Writer Jill Sisson Quinn and her son recently spent an afternoon at a local park where he had a run in with both stinging nettle and a fallen log, causing her to reflect on the lessons to be found in independence and letting go.
A mother’s voice can wrap us in warm blankets. It can guide gently or yank us back from the cliff. And sometimes it can take us to places we only dreamed were possible. Jan Larson and her three grown children — Dana, Grey and Ellie — remember a mother’s voice.
Retired Maj. Jo Ann Schedler’s family was fighting in wars long before the U.S. military existed. This is one reason the nurse joined the U.S. Army Reserve later in life, served 20 years and six months, and eventually co-founded the Mohican Veterans group. Schedler lives in Gresham and shared her experience with her husband, Jon, as part of StoryCorps’ Military Voices Initiative, which is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
WHYsconsin recently received a listener question wondering, “What is the third most commonly spoken language in Wisconsin after English and Spanish?” The answer: Hmong. WPR’s Mary Kate McCoy looks into why.
Remember the classic scene in “The Sandlot?” When Smalls hits a homer into the neighbor’s yard…and it turns out the baseball he swiped to do this was signed by Babe Ruth? Well, writer Chris Hardie had his own moment like this back on the farm he grew up on in western Wisconsin.
It’s peak county fair season in Wisconsin. For many children at the Dane County Fair, it’s more than the Tilt-A-Whirl and deep-fried treats. The event showcases all their hard work as they show their arts and crafts, and animals…ranging from the smallest guinea pigs to fully-grown beef cattle. Christina Lieffring spoke with some of the children about the lessons learned raising cows, pigs, sheep and ducks through Dane County’s 4-H Club programs.
Over the last several years, many profound experiences that typically would be shared with loved ones were lost in the pandemic. Rachel Poston of Milwaukee experienced this when her husband wasn’t allowed to come with her to any of her appointments. Poston shared her story as part of the Pandemic Pregnancy Project, which is documenting the stories of families and their babies and how they’ve been affected by COVID-19. Editor’s note: This story contains language that may be inappropriate for some audiences.
Writer Jill Sisson Quinn and her son had a summer routine. They would go to their local lake for a chilly, early morning swim almost every day. But last summer, they tried somewhere new. The experience opened Quinn’s eyes to the joys of both new and old loves.
The poetry in Daniel Smith’s book “Ancestral” reflects on life and farming in the Driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin. WPR’s Tim Peterson spoke with him about his poetry in the early spring in his barn near Arena, Wisconsin, overlooking a light dusting of snow on his farm and the nearby woods. Smith shared three poems about heritage, loss and an appreciation for the wild.
Writer Crystal Chan loves to cook. During the pandemic, she traveled home often, enjoying long stays with her parents. To show her gratitude, she would cook delicious and comforting dishes for family dinner. She shares a story celebrating the labor of love that goes into making a great pot of stew.
There are few fishermen like Mike Valley left on the Mississippi River. Valley is a third generation fisherman, the work is in his blood. He’s one of the many people who have fished this water for more than a thousand years. WPR’s Mary Kate McCoy brings you more.
Summer camps are a big deal in Wisconsin. Whether it’s playing sharks and minnows, roasting marshmallows while sitting around a bonfire, or tying off a completed friendship bracelet, summer camp activities have bonded youth together for years — and sometimes even generations.
Many of us reach a point in life when it’s our turn to take care of our parents. That was the case for Hedi Lamarr Rudd, whose father, LaVelle, had an enormous impact on her life and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. She shared their story at the UW Continuing Studies Writers’ Institute. WPR’s Tyler Ditter produced this story.
Finding forgiveness is deeply personal. Sometimes, it’s easy to forgive someone who’s wronged you and move on. Other times, the road to forgiveness is long and bumpy. But what if forgiveness isn’t an option? Writer Deshawn McKinney of Milwaukee is exploring this in his new, debut collection of poetry, “father forgive me” from Black Sunflowers Poetry Press. He shares one poem from that book, “On Forgiveness.”
There’s a rumor that Rib Mountain in central Wisconsin is an extinct volcano. It seems somewhat reasonable…You can see it from miles away, it has a conical shape and there are volcanic rocks all over the city of Wausau. Well, it’s not. It never was. And although it does have ties to ancient volcanoes, the star of Rib Mountain’s story is a rock too tough to break. WPR’s Liz Dohms-Harter reports.
When WPR producer Steve Gotcher’s daughter, Erika, was a little girl, she started a tradition of sending him letters on pieces of birch bark. Recently, they sat down and talked about how and why it began.
Many know TV personality Allen Ludden for his days as the host of the popular game show “Password,” in the 1960s and ’70s. Or, for his marriage to the beloved actress, Betty White. Perhaps lesser known, is Ludden’s Wisconsin roots. Writer Dean Robbins recently stumbled upon his Wisconsin connection during a weekend getaway to Mineral Point.
Taking the kids camping usually sounds like a great idea, until it’s not. Author BJ Hollars brings us a story about the trials and triumphs of the family camping trip. WPR’s Karl Christenson brings you the story.
The movies of Michael Schultz, like “Cooley High,” “Car Wash,” and “Krush Groove” have given joy, drama and great jams to millions around the world. The Milwaukee native was one of the first and most successful directors in Hollywood to bring the lives of Black Americans to the forefront of his films. Andy Turner recently talked to Schultz, now 83, about his Milwaukee roots and long career, which continues today.
Wisconsin is home to many spectacular waterfalls. And as exploring the state’s natural wonders has grown in popularity, one WHYsconsin listener wondered why the northern part of the state seems to have a monopoly on those waterfalls. WPR’s Andrea Anderson takes you up north to find out more about the waterfall’s geology and appeal. This story was produced by WPR’s John Davis.
When we cook, we’re able to keep our family’s dishes and memories alive for generation after generation. That’s the case for Anne Marie Herman in Madison, who was raised on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. To the delight of her friends, she continues to cook her family’s salt fish cakes. L. Malik Anderson produced this story.
Sometimes, an experience touches us in ways we never would have imagined. Over a long Memorial Day weekend, writer Ron Weber witnessed a doe mourning the loss of her fawn, causing him to reflect on the similarities and connections between humans and nature.
Spearfishing is a tradition practiced every spring by Ojibwe tribes in northern Wisconsin. It’s a practice that’s been passed on for generations, and it’s part of tribal rights to hunt, fish and gather on lands ceded to the U.S. government under federal treaties. Earlier this month, WPR’s Danielle Kaeding tagged along with a group from the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa as they taught tribal youth the time-honored tradition.
Tens of thousands of people turn to fertility clinics every year in the US to help them grow their families. For many of those hopeful parents, the process can be an emotional rollercoaster and expensive. Alexandra Maier of Milwaukee is one mother who tried in vitro fertilization and other methods when she was trying to get pregnant. And then…the pandemic hit. Maier shares her experience as part of the Pandemic Pregnancy Project, which is documenting the stories of families and their babies and how they’ve been affected by COVID-19.
Morel mushrooms are a coveted treat in Wisconsin every spring. But the right conditions for finding them can be as finicky and moody as the state’s spring time weather. Yet the result is well worth the effort. Writer Mark Griffin takes you on a journey to find that elusive morel mushroom.
Lilies of the valley are often considered a beautiful, yet high-maintenance plant. For writer Nancy Jorgenson, they will forever connect her to her beloved grandmother, who found virtue in caring for them. Caregiving was deeply rooted in her grandmother. She dreamed of being a nurse, but society had different plans for a woman of her era. Jorgenson reflects on her grandmother’s devotion to her family, dreams, and flowers.
The oldest known tree in Wisconsin looks nothing like what you might expect. It’s not a huge, majestic tree. In fact, it’s so unremarkable that it’s easy to miss. WPR’s Rob Mentzer has been looking for this tree for years. He brings you the story of his search for this elusive tree.
In a tribute to one of her favorite activities as a new mom, WPR’s Jenny Peek gives us an ode to the bedtime story. She tells us how becoming a mom reignited a love for children’s books she has been missing since she was little.
Muslims all over the world recently wrapped up the holy month of Ramadan, including at the Crescent Learning Center, an Islamic childcare center in Milwaukee. Founder and Director Rafat Arain said the center strives to help refugee children and their parents feel at home. Christina Lieffring brings you the story.
The story of Xai and Sia is a Hmong folk tale of a young woman’s journey to the netherworld to save her husband and bring him back to life. Bao Xiong, author and founder of Moth House Press, expands on this traditional tale in her new book “Folklore”, where she imagines the story behind Sia’s — the wife’s — courage. Xiong told producer Hope Kirwan about her take on the traditional folk tale and the power of belief.
In northeastern Wisconsin, there’s a mysterious and beloved snack called methunky. With humble ingredients — flour, salt, cracklings and sauerkraut — this Czech food resembles a sauerkraut cracker, or as master methunky maker Vonnie Kinjerski lovingly describes it: a “sauerkraut cookie.” A listener wrote into our WHYsconsin project wanting to learn more about the tasty treat. Producer Mary Kate McCoy brings you the story.
You know that bubbling dread you feel as you approach bumper to bumper traffic … or that anxiety and frustration as an aggressive driver cuts you off? It’s safe to say most drivers have unfortunately felt those irritations at one point or another. For writer Mixee Vang of Sun Prairie, nothing brings those emotions out quite like driving on Madison’s notorious Beltline during rush hour.
Taking notice and being thankful for the family and community we have around us often occurs when we’re facing our most difficult circumstances. Jan Larson brings us an essay about gratitude, and the lessons learned on her journey to recovery from cancer.
Little Chute is known for its Dutch heritage. A lesser known fact about the northeastern village is that it was once home to a semi-pro football team, the Little Chute Flying Dutchmen. Little Chute resident Gene Janssen wrote to WHYsconsin about the Flying Dutchmen. He remembered the team from his youth and hoped to learn more about its history. WPR’s Jenny Peek produced this story.
Many of us grow up questioning our parents’ methods and traditions, only to find ourselves embracing them later in life. That was definitely the case for writer Yia Lor. She tells us about her skepticism and love of her mother’s tea.
What are some of your early rock ‘n’ roll memories? For Stoughton’s Bill Amundson, his hit REALLY close to home — when Stoughton’s very own “One Hit Wonders,” The Fendermen, rehearsed in a garage down the street from his home. WPR’s Brad Kolberg produced this story.
Anyone who uses social media presents a somewhat edited version of themselves. They’re selective about what they post, use photo filters, or create cartoon-like stylized avatars as their profile image. WPR’s Emily Ralph, a trans woman, used her Bitmoji avatar in her coming out process – slowly making changes in the digital realm before they became Emily’s physical reality. Over time, Emily began to wonder what the experience was like for her Bitmoji, on the other side of the digital divide. This story comes from the perspective of that Bitmoji.
Last year, when the Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA title in 50 years, Jerome Hunt, a Milwaukee hip-hop artist who goes by the stage name Romey, was courtside. As a lifelong Bucks fan, the moment was not just a thrill, but the inspiration to his hit song “Fear the Deer.”
When we are at work, we all have a number of roles — we can take on other jobs, wear many hats. Albert Watson is a Detention Officer at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center, where he also hosts a cooking club. Here, he tells the story of the day he saved a life by taking a bit of his own advice. He shared it at a storytelling event and on the podcast, Inside Stories. WPR’s Brad Kolberg produced this story.
There is a lot of hype surrounding the cream puff. And then there is a lot of love for the kringle. Marisa Wojcik wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about when she tried a cream puff for the first time. So, she reached out to WHYsconsin and asked, “Why do cream puffs get all the attention, when the kringle is the official state pastry of Wisconsin?” WPR’s Tim Peterson brings you the story. This story was inspired by an audience question as part of the WHYsconsin project. Submit your question at wpr.org/WHYsconsin and we might answer it.