Best WPR Podcasts (2025)

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Garden Talk: Gardening can be murder; A new guide to perennials 1:39:03

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1h ago1:39:03

1:39:03

In the doldrums of winter we talk to the author of a new book that explores how mystery writers have used gardening in their stories. Then, the American Horticultural Society has a new perennial guide out and we look at selecting plants, using them in your landscape, and how to get more blooms.

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‘Extra! Extra! Eat All About It!’ explores Wisconsin food history; The rediscovery of wild cacao 1:39:03

2h ago1:39:03

1:39:03

We talk with Jane Conway and Randi Julia Ramsden about their book “Extra! Extra! Eat All About It! Recipes and Culinary Curiosities from Historic Wisconsin Newspapers.” Then, we talk to Rowan Jacobsen, author of the new book “Wild Chocolate: Across the Americas in Search of Cacao’s Soul.”

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Holiday special: underrated Christmas and holiday movies, Santa Claus comes to the studio 1:39:03

16h ago1:39:03

1:39:03

First, we talk about Christmas movies with Jamison Rabbitt, a Sun Prairie-based movie review show host. At noon, it’s a special visit from Santa and elf Jingle. They will be ready to hear what kids want for Christmas at the number 800-642-1234 or email [email protected].

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Who plows Wisconsin highways, and how to keep dogs from jumping on guests 1:39:20

1d ago1:39:20

1:39:20

County road crews maintain, plow and salt Wisconsin’s highways. We learn how they do it all. Then, a dog trainer has advice for reducing chaos at the front door.

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Book club: “A Measured Thread,” What you need to know before filing your 2025 taxes 1:39:05

3d ago1:39:05

1:39:05

First, we talk about the book “A Measured Thread” with author Mary Behan. It’s our final book club novel of the year. Then, Mary Mellem, a tax professional, helps you get your 2025 tax documents ready to file.

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Garden Talk: Effective landscape lighting; Perennial farming 1:39:08

6d ago1:39:08

1:39:08

We talk with Woody Kerwin about how and where to use lighting. And then we hear about how the Savannah Institute is helping to shape the future of farming.

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Sick at Work? A Poisonous Cause of Coworker Illness? 1:55

6d ago1:55

1:55

Do you think you know the cause of these symptoms? Send your guesses to [email protected] to take part in the next episode Support the show Review the show where ever your listening Get Messages from Toxo (Join the Newsletter!) Join as a supporting member Ad free episodes Bonus content and early access Discounts and give aways on GOTA PICCEM Mushr…

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Winter vehicle readiness, and the history of a Madison sports stadium 1:39:20

7d ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Winter in Wisconsin means making sure your vehicle can handle the harsh conditions. We get some auto maintenance advice. Then, we talk to the author of a new book tracing the history of Madison’s Breese Stevens Field.

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Climate impacts on Wisconsin recreation; Air travel etiquette; History of sleigh rides 1:39:11

8d ago1:39:11

1:39:11

First, we unpack the evolving impact of climate change on Wisconsin tourism and recreation. Then we talk to a certified etiquette instructor about how to be civil when traveling by air. Finally, we look at the history of sleigh transportation in Wisconsin.

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Michael Perry’s ‘Improbable Mentors & Happy Tangents’ 1:39:20

9d ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Mentors, whether they know it or not, change the way you think about yourself and your life goals. Michael Perry stops by to talk about his latest book about the unexpected mentors he’s had in life, and what he’s learned from all the paths he’s walked.

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Why there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for lower back pain 1:39:04

10d ago1:39:04

1:39:04

Treatment for lower back pain often requires therapy and exercises tailored specifically to individual patients. We talk to physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum about providing the relief back pain sufferers need.

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Garden Talk: Finding harmony with people, plants and pets 1:39:08

13d ago1:39:08

1:39:08

Keeping houseplants happy and healthy when you have lots going on in your house can be difficult. Nationally known plant expert Tova Martin is back to share some tips for making things easier. We also talk about how to care for traditional holiday plants.

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How to winterize your home and stay warm 1:39:20

14d ago1:39:20

1:39:20

It’s winter and your house may be colder than it should be. Condensation on your windows or ice dams in the roof and gutters are evidence of heat loss. For advice on avoiding these problems and more, we’ll talk to registered home inspector John Freiburger.

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News from the Driftless Area: A new bridge to be built in Lansing, researching where Mississippi fish go to survive the winter and more 1:39:02

15d ago1:39:02

1:39:02

We talk about people, places and history of the upper Mississippi River with Reggie McLeod, the editor and publisher of Big River magazine. This issue covers a family with a goal to paddle down the entire Mississippi, slimy sculpin in Crawford County and plenty of other news from the Driftless Area.

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A cozy winter issue of ‘Our Wisconsin’ magazine 1:39:20

16d ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Manitowoc’s aluminum Christmas trees, an ice-skating trail in Boulder Junction, and paying storytellers with pecan pie. That’s some of what you get in the new issue of “Our Wisconsin” magazine. Editor Mike Beno joins us.

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Tech update, How to make a career switch 1:39:02

17d ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Tech expert Beth D’Angelo returns to answer your cybersecurity questions and talk about best practices for shopping online. Then, Laneice Runnels from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development joins to share how to make a career change.

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Garden Talk: 2025 gift guide for gardeners; How to select and care for a Christmas tree 1:39:06

20d ago1:39:06

1:39:06

We talk with gardening expert Lis Friemoth about what’s on her 2025 Gardening Gift Guide. Then Laura Jull is in to give advice on picking out a great Christmas tree.

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Holiday scams to watch out for, and the new novella ‘StarSong’ 1:39:20

23d ago1:39:20

1:39:20

We’re warned to avoid seasonal scams by two officials with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Then we talk to the Wisconsin author of a new novella about the push and pull of faith and disbelief.

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Wildlife Wednesday, Improve your wild game cooking skills 1:39:05

24d ago1:39:05

1:39:05

Scott Craven, emeritus professor and UW Extension wildlife ecologist, joins us for another Wildlife Wednesday. He'll answer your questions about the animals in your neck of the woods. Then, we talk about making delicious meals out of wild game with Madison-based Chef Joel Olson.

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Outbreak: Thebaine Poisoning from Poppy Seed Tea in Australia 1:17:13

22d ago1:17:13

1:17:13

In November 2022, hospitals across Australia began seeing patients with sudden rigidity, spasms, seizures—and in some cases cardiac arrest—after drinking homemade poppy seed tea. The source? Food-shelf poppy seeds contaminated with extraordinarily high levels of thebaine, an opioid alkaloid that acts nothing like morphine. In this Outbreak episode,…

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School boards are bastions of democracy, and libraries face funding cuts 1:39:20

25d ago1:39:20

1:39:20

A new book argues that school boards are essential for a democracy, yet often under fire. We talk to the author. Then, we'll also hear how libraries are fairing in these uncertain times.

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Songs of the season: Welcome winter with this festive playlist; Larry Meiller announces retirement 1:38:48

26d ago1:38:48

1:38:48

Tom Wilmeth, our resident music aficionado, returns with a list of songs to get you into a wintery mood. Then Larry Meiller has some big news.

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Garden Talk: Foraging 101 49:33

29d ago49:33

49:33

Foraging expert Sam Thayer is with us to tell you about food that you don't have to grow -- what to look for and how to use it.

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Insect update, ‘Heart of the Jaguar,’ Wisconsin business uses wool to improve soil health 1:38:48

1M ago1:38:48

1:38:48

First, entomologist PJ Liesch returns to answer your questions about bugs. Then, we talk to Wisconsin author James Campbell about his latest, “Heart of the Jaguar.” Finally, we catch up with Elaine Becker and Karen Mayhew. They make wool pellets for gardeners in Argyle.

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The holidays are hazardous for our pets, and model train history 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Think before you share your Thanksgiving table scraps with the family dog. And try to make your Christmas decorations cat proof. Then, we’ll talk about the legacy of Lionel-made electric toy trains.

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Dr. Zorba Paster shares holiday season health tips, Weather Guys talk snow, gales and Arctic warming 1:38:38

1M ago1:38:38

1:38:38

First, Dr. Zorba Paster joins us again to talk about staying well during the holiday season. Then, Steve Ackerman and Jon Martin join us to cover weather and climate issues.

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Garden Talk: Perennials that need to be cut back; New book explores chainsaws 1:39:08

1M ago1:39:08

1:39:08

We take a look at the plants that need to be cut back now and the best way to do it with our regular guest Diana Alfuth. Then we talk to the author of the new book “Chainsaw Love: Field Notes on the World's Most Dynamic Power Tool.”

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When Americans believed in Martians, and what the dark skies will really reveal this winter 1:39:00

1M ago1:39:00

1:39:00

A new book details the widespread belief in Martians among Americans, and the theories that divided astronomers in the late 20th century. Then, we talk about the celestial bodies to look for as the nights get longer.

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Outdoor writers review the biggest issues in wildlife management and conservation 1:39:06

1M ago1:39:06

1:39:06

Our outdoor writers are back for a roundtable discussion. Dean Bortz, Patrick Durkin and Tim Eisele will talk about the deer hunting season, what PFAS chemicals mean for duck hunters, news from Wisconsin’s Natural Resources Board and more.

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Best new books to give as holiday gifts 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

We talk about the top 20 books published this year recommended by Daniel Goldin, owner of the Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee, to give to others or buy for yourself this holiday season.

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Poisonous Fungus Amongus is Here— The Rhyming Kid (or Adult) Book For Mushroom Safety 3:17

1M ago3:17

3:17

Get your copy here! https://a.co/d/8QUBmQy Want to hear it with insights from the author?: • Poisonous Fungus Among Us | Full Children’... Don't have time for the full thing: check the highlights: • Poisonous Fungus Amongus Highlights Reel Want a clearer picture: Full reading large scale here: • Poisonous Fungus Amongus- Children's Book ... From th…

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Physical therapists talk about prehabilitation; Creating a vaccine for cancerous brain tumors 1:39:19

1M ago1:39:19

1:39:19

Our physical therapists return to prehabilitation for hip and knee replacements. Then, we talk to a surgeon and a medical physics researcher at UW-Madison about their research into a treatment for burns.

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Garden Talk: Back to the roots of organic gardening; Selecting plants for winter color and texture 1:39:05

1M ago1:39:05

1:39:05

The concept of growing organic has changed over the years, we talk about how with the author Eliot Coleman. And then Mark Dwyer is back to share his expertise on garden plant selection.

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Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, and search-and-rescue airboat named Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

From touchless faucets and bidets to in-home saunas and cold-plunge pools, the remodeling options for kitchens and bathrooms depend on your budget. We talk to two Madison-area home improvement experts about what’s possible.

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A look at phenology as fall fades into winter, “Birds of the Great Lakes,” How to see birds at Horicon Marsh 1:39:05

1M ago1:39:05

1:39:05

We talk about the changing seasons with Stan Temple, a wildlife ecologist. Then, Dexter Patterson talks about his latest book, “Birds of the Great Lakes.” Finally, Liz Herzmann gives us an update from Horicon Marsh and shares about the Horicon Marsh Bird Club.

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Health Day: Lessening holiday stress, multiple sclerosis research and fundraising, and coping with menopause 1:39:20

2M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

We get advice for dealing with anxiety around the holidays. Then, an MS researcher and advocate share their optimism. Then, a physician helps women through menopause.

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Tech update, Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald on the 50th anniversary of its sinking 1:39:01

2M ago1:39:01

1:39:01

We talk about improving your home’s Wi-Fi with tech expert Jesse La Grew. Then, Steve Ackerman, an emeritus professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and Frederick Stonehouse, a maritime historian, talk about the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy.

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Garden Talk: Adaptable plants; Growing pawpaw 1:39:29

2M ago1:39:29

1:39:29

Climate change is affecting everything on earth, including where plants will thrive or barely survive. In this episode we talk about what plants are able to adapt to changing weather patterns and how we can make less adaptable species more sustainable. Then, we take a look at Wisconsin’s Project Pawpaw.…

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Financial advice for all, daylight savings from an ecological perspective, and truffle-hunting researchers 1:39:20

2M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Don’t sleep on retirement planning. Rather, start investing and saving now. Then, we explore how daylight savings time is against nature. Then, two truffle researchers explain how they found a new species of the fungi in Wisconsin.

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Wildlife update: Citizen science opportunities, ‘Deer Hunt Wisconsin’ TV special 1:39:05

2M ago1:39:05

1:39:05

Wildlife experts Jamie Nack and David Drake return to talk about how you can help out with a bird count and UW-Madison’s Urban Canid Project. Then, we talk about the deer hunting season with Dan Small.

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Coming Soon! Wonder Cabinet! 1:37

2M ago1:37

1:37

Anne and Steve’s new podcast will be about nature, science and wonder – plus, myths, fairy tales, poetry and the unconscious. Anne gives us a quick preview and promises more to come. Wonder Cabinet will drop right here in this feed in early January 2026, so keep your subscription active! To follow Wonder Cabinet, sign up here: https://wondercabinet…

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New treatment for movement disorders; Wisconsin’s assisted living landscape 1:39:20

2M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

First, we explore movement disorders, such as tremors, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s, and a new treatment for them with Dr. Kunal Gupta of Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Then, what you need to know about assisted living facilities in Wisconsin with Jennifer Fischer of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County.…

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Podcasters reminisce about life on the farm, Soybean industry report, How to brew better coffee 1:39:03

2M ago1:39:03

1:39:03

First, Daryl Wermedal and Dan Wiese join us to talk about their podcast, “Farm Tales and Cow Pies.” Then, we cover the soybean industry with farmer Tony Mellenthin. Finally, an on-air workshop on making better coffee with Ryan Castelaz.

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Garden Talk: Spooky plants and not so spooky mushrooms 1:39:06

2M ago1:39:06

1:39:06

The plant world is full of unusual things. We talk with Laura Jull about a few of them. In the second hour we talk about growing mushrooms with Shawn Kuhn of Vitruvian Farms.

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Driver’s ed for teens and adults, how a Madison nonprofit is addressing homelessness, and a NASA seamstress tells her story 1:39:08

2M ago1:39:08

1:39:08

Most of us learned to drive as teenagers; We’ll offer something of a refresher course. Then, we’ll look at a nonprofit’s work to reduce homelessness in southern Wisconsin. Then, we’ll talk to a former NASA seamstress whose handiwork protected space shuttle astronauts.

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Bats, snakes and more: Checking in with Wisconsin’s wee beasties

2M ago

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We celebrate International Bat Week with Heather Kaarakka of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Then, we talk about the status of herps in our state with Joshua Kapfer, a certified wildlife biologist and a professor at UW-Whitewater.

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Winter complicates dog walking, and how to care for small mammal pets 1:39:20

2M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Soon it will be very cold and treacherous to be on foot. But dogs can get cabin fever if they’re not let out. Then, we learn how to care for hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs.

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Gothic horror on the Great Lakes, History of the fires and murder at Taliesin, Weather Guys 1:39:20

2M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

First, we talk with bestselling and award-winning author Wendy Webb about writing gothic horror set around the Great Lakes. Then, historian Keiran Murphy tells us about the tragedy at Taliesin. Finally, Steve Ackerman and Jon Martin join us to talk about weather and climate issues.

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Garden Talk: Growing herbs; World-wide seed savers 1:39:20

2M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Herb expert, Erin Presley is back to talk about growing herbs and update us on what’s happening at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Then we talk with Adam Alexander, author of The Seed Detective.

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Wisconsin’s 48 Hour Film Project, traveling to Australia, and a new season of ‘Wisconsin Life’ on PBS Wisconsin 1:39:03

2M ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Short films made in just 48 hours get their world premieres. Then, we take a guided tour of Australia. And finally, a look at the new season of “Wisconsin Life” airing on PBS Wisconsin.