The Wisconsin Podcast

ESPN Wisconsin contributor and former Sports Editor for The Capital Times, Adam Mertz talks about the shifting expectations for this year’s Wisconsin Badgers football team, running back Jonathan Taylor’s place in Badgers history, brutal Wisconsin sports losses, and the Brewers and the baseball Hall of Fame.

Outdoorsman Noah Wishau discusses the confluence of hunting and politics regarding chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Wisconsin deer, its parallels to the public debate about climate change and what he sees as a generational imperative to protect nature for future generations.

Jim Lattis holds a Ph.D. in History of Science from UW–Madison and is the author of many publications in that field; he helped create UW Space Place, the outreach and public education center of the UW–Madison Astronomy Dept. and has directed it since its founding. Lattis talks about Wisconsin’s contribution to the field of astronomy, his public outreach efforts and what he makes of flat-Earthers.

Wollersheim Winery owner and winemaker Philippe Coquard comes from a family of French winemakers. He came to America and Wollersheim in the 1980s and became the winemaker in 1985. Wollersheim Winery grew rapidly and garnered national media attention with the introduction of its Prairie Fumé wine in 1989. In the coming decades, Wollersheim became one of Wisconsin’s most well-known wineries.

Wisconsin picture book writer Pat Zietlow Miller, discusses her craft, getting into writing books for children and where her creative ideas start. Miller’s first book “Sophie’s Squash” was published in 2013. She has published numerous books since including “Wherever You Go” and “The Quickest Kid in Clarksville” and “Be Kind” — a New York Times bestseller.

Old World Wisconsin depicts Wisconsin’s immigrant past by recreating the sights, sounds and spirit of those who came to the state to build their futures. Anna Altschwager, the site’s assistant director of guest experience, explains the museum’s origins and what she hopes guests take away from their visits.

Former Wisconsin Badgers fullback Matt Bernstein discusses his collegiate football career, Wisconsin fandom, Madison-appreciation, and his famous Yom Kippur game in 2004. Bernstein, not normally a ball carrier, was pressed into heavy service after completing a 24-hour fast and helped lead the Badgers to a win over Penn State.

Writer Erin Clune discusses her humorous version of a self-help book “How to Leave: Quitting the City and Coping with a New Reality.” The book tracks Clune and her family’s decision to leave life in New York City and move to her hometown of Madison, Wis., as well as the struggles of others who have made similar decisions.

Beer columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal Chris Drosner discusses the craft of beer review and commentary, the state of craft beer in Wisconsin, and his broader journalism career. Drosner started his career working for the Green Bay Press-Gazette before heading to the Wisconsin State Journal. He’s currently the executive editor for Milwaukee Magazine.

Mark Walters is a syndicated outdoor adventure columnist who lives in Necedah. He began writing his column, An Outdoorsman’s Journal, in 1989. You can read about his adventures, which include hunting, fishing, canoeing and backpacking, in 60 different newspapers on a weekly basis. Walters is also committed to getting young people into the outdoors. He created the nonprofit Kids and Mentors Outdoors, or KAMO.

Horicon Marsh, located in southeast Wisconsin, is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the U.S. It has been formally recognized as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention of the United Nations and is one of the best birding locations in Wisconsin. DNR Wildlife Conservation Educator Liz Herzmann offers an insider look at the renowned outdoor venue.

The Aldo Leopold Foundation was established in 1982 with the mission to inspire an ethical relationship between people and nature through the conservationist’s legacy. The Foundation’s executive director Buddy Huffaker discusses Leopold’s enduring legacy in Wisconsin and around the world.

Former Wisconsin State Journal Assistant City Editor Mark Pitsch, who also worked as a state capitol reporter and was the president of the Society of Professional Journalists in Madison, discusses his life in journalism, as well as a brief stint working for The Onion.

Former state archaeologist and author of several books about Native Americans in Wisconsin, Bob Birmingham explains why Aztalan, located near Lake Mills, is one of the state’s most significant archaeology sites.

Rural communities have seen declines in young adults. The population shifts have been the subject of study by Randy Stoecker, a UW-Madison professor, with a joint appointment in the UW Extension Center for Community and Economic Development. He is also known for working with many community groups.

Packers blogger and podcaster Brian Carriveau traces his journey from teaching to sports writing to opening a new tavern and eatery in Madison. Carriveau also reflects on his book about Wisconsin’s amateur baseball scene in the Home Talent League.

What was the impact of Voter ID legislation on the 2016 Presidential Election in Wisconsin? What are the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s review of Wisconsin’s redistricting? And how can elections run smoother? Barry Burden, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the director of the Elections Research Center, shares his research and analysis.

As a co-producer on the Precious Lives project, a two-year radio series about young people and gun violence in Milwaukee, Aisha Turner was challenged to tell stories about a difficult and frustrating subject. She explains the difficulties of the work and how it impacted her own life.

Jason Stein is a former state capitol reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and previously the Wisconsin State Journal. He was recently named the Research Director of the Wisconsin Policy Forum, an independent, nonpartisan research organization analyzing Wisconsin state and local government finance, education, and economic development.

Johnny Walsh is a Madison lawyer and stand up comedian. He recently won the annual Madison’s Funniest Comic Contest at the well-regarded Comedy Club on State. Walsh, who is legally blind as a result of Usher Syndrome, discusses making his parents laugh and where he hopes to go with comedy.