Doty Land

There are many emotions and perspectives about the state of our democracy today.  Podcaster Gregory Humphrey suggests that forming your home as an anchor where family and friends can unite and know that shared values will be respected is an essential way to be protected from the bombast and chaos created by Donald Trump and his administration.  At his home, near a lake, the loons have returned for a spring visit, and in that annual ritual, there is a lesson to be found about keeping the faith. A lesson for us in these days when democracy is under attack.

The thoughts and perspectives about university and college students in the presidential election are examined in an interview with Mira Goodman from New York State, who is spending her fall in the Badger State, helping to engineer a solid turnout at the polls. Podcaster Gregory Humphrey blends political nostalgia through sound and concludes with a commentary on his first vote for president in 1980 in his rural village of Hancock. 

With thanks to small-town librarians across the nation, this podcast looks at three powerful writers and researchers who have allowed deep insight into the horror unleashed by weather phenomena.  From the 1900 hurricane that smashed into a port city killing 8,000, to the freakish winter weather system in 1888 that killed 500 people on the Midwest plains, many of them children, to the 12,000 dead people in London's smog in 1952, these stories will move you and never leave you once the books are finished. Former broadcaster Gregory Humphrey has produced another professional and engaging podcast.

The softer tone of our politics is recalled from the days when a young WDOR radio reporter put on a shirt and tie to cover national politicians.  Driving a Chevet to the Labor Day rally with Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro or thrilling to the enormity of President Ronald Reagan stumping for this tax policy, there is a reminder that our politics while still rough and tumble, allowed for less bombast and meanness among the electorate. If you yearn for politics the way it once was, this professionally produced podcast by Gregory Humphrey is your free trip to the mid-1980s. 

The 1883 blaze at the Newhall House in Milwaukee killed approximately 100 people.  The interesting people who had lodged at the hotel the night of the blaze, including Tom Thumb, an actor, politicians along with two chambermaids from central Wisconsin are part of a story about the intersections of life at the time of a tragic fire.  What brought those to the Newhall House that night? What caused the fire? How did those who survived do it, and how were they affected by their experiences that night? The book focuses on a handful of those who were at the Newhall that night through their lives before the fire, their activities the night of the fire, and in the years following the fire.  Host Gregory Humphrey has produced a professional podcast about an amazing book. 

The world can be much more enjoyable when viewed from the perspective of a 9-year-old boy.  Rylan Spates, known to many as PB & Bacon 6,  shares his thoughts about everything from spiral stairsteps to rollercoasters.  He shows broadcasting savvy and makes for many enjoyable smiles and laughs along the way.  A wonderful podcast to start off a New Year!

With fondness and laughter Bruce Miller, George Manesis, and Gregory Humphrey trek back 41 years to reminisce about the Wausau, Wisconsin broadcasting school.  From how these young men saw themselves at the time, to how radio impacts their lives today, this podcast episode surely mirrors the hundreds of graduates over the years.  From the school owner, Ray Szmanda, to the iconic Scott Street Pub these three guys regale memories that will transport all those who once harbored 'radio fever' to a place of youthful nostalgia.  An episode that has a professional touch,  a human connection.

Fond memories of Gregory Humphrey's first day on WDOR radio with Elvis' music, recollections of Dan Rather one Sunday morning on a Texas radio station, and a severe thunderstorm in Sturgeon Bay when a Brewer baseball game is knocked off the air as callers light up the phone lines!  Funny memories with another Doty Land professional-sounding podcast.

With contemporaneous accounts of smiles and trying times while dealing with a friend's  Alzheimer's disease come stories of laughter and also tenderness.  The final chapter of the life of Albert Trull, and the way it weaved with the personal life of podcaster Gregory Humphrey as his father was dying, makes for a somber podcast.  But one that is aimed to reach out and ask what role all can play with the elderly people needing friendship and companionship within our communities. 

When a German soldier in WWII acts with compassion to save the lives of Americans what does that tell us about humanity?  Those types of acts of compassion on the battlefield are explored in an upcoming documentary.  Stephanie Manesis, director, and producer of the film talks not only about the multi-year project but also about how creativity has manifested itself in her life.  Podcaster Gregory Humphrey notes it is a joy to have such a great conversationalist to interview. 

Podcaster Gregory Humphrey goes back to childhood days in Hancock, Wisconsin to prove weather of all sorts should be viewed up close.  Nothing is better than grandma's arm around a shoulder as the thunder crashes or as a boy walking into the bracing winds of a winter snowstorm.  Nostalgic warm memories for anyone wishing to trek back in time. 

From memories of Loretta Lynn,  Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, WSM radio announcer Grant Turner and others this tribute looks at how classic country music still resonates across the land.  Heartfelt memories galore! Podcaster Gregory Humphrey takes listeners on a journey from his Hancock home to the stages of country music shows.  The fiddles are warming up, now.  

With sentimental images of Hancock, Wisconsin, and many personal letters from hometown boys fighting in World War I Gregory Humphrey brings the accounts from The Hancock News back to life.  With music from the era, along with 'advertisements' from L.S. Walker Company in Hancock, listeners will be transported back in time with this professionally produced podcast.  The letters from the boys bring their memories back to life.

Fond memories of Larry King, including podcaster Gregory Humphrey's audio recording of a call to the late-night radio host, are included in this episode. In addition, the one interview broadcasters wished King had given about his decades behind the microphone. A most respectful tribute to a radio legend.

From the pages of The Hancock News podcaster Gregory Humphrey provides insight into how the 1918 pandemic impacted a small town in Waushara County. From 'cures' to accurate medical reporting, obituaries to brighter days following the virus outbreak, this podcast is also sprinkled with the music of the era.

Once again Doty Land will have interesting and engaging podcast conversations from the Madison isthmus! Doty Land is back 'on the air'!

As a disability advocate and juvenile defense lawyer, Nicki Vander Meulen speaks about issues with a first-hand narrative. COVID-19 is the issue that propelled her candidacy for the state assembly. She shares her love of books and why reading was so important to her as a child. The podcast is hosted by Gregory Humphrey.

Providing insight into her past years of public service Marsha Rummel converses about what skills she brings as a candidate for state assembly. From gun control measures to how best to deal with a pandemic Rummel covers many topics. She even chats about baseball with host Gregory Humphrey.

With a personal account, Heather Driscoll explains why she is in favor of reducing gun violence. From campaigning in a time of pandemic to talking about redistricting many topics are discussed. She shares a laugh over books with host Gregory Humphrey.

A lively discussion with Stephanie Manesis, from Fargo, North Dakota, the producer/director of the 26-minute documentary short, "Compassion on the Battlefield in WWII", with ZenLily Films. This episode is dedicated to my dad, Royce Humphrey, a World War II veteran from Hancock, Wisconsin.

As we seek ways to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic, and also find ways to spend our time self-isolating, Doty Land has some highly entertaining reading ideas. Books that will carry readers high into the branches of trees, far off in time to Stalin’s Siberia, learning how Henry David Thoreau started a fire in his woods, and understanding how all of Galveston was underwater. Host Gregory Humphrey opines on books that have made an impression to such an extent he wants others to learn of the wonder to be found on their pages.

Indiana Confederate Civil War reenactor Mary Beeman takes us back in time, alerting listeners as to why living history is not only a remarkable way to explore the past, but great for family fun, too. Host Gregory Humphrey underscores President Lincoln’s character as the Republican nominee casts his 1860 ballot in Springfield. Plus, a-not-to-miss book about Abe, as recommended by a modern-day president. With lively music and historical tidbits, we head back to the Civil War era while paying homage to Abe Lincoln.

Recalling the days when the Wisconsin State Legislature was part-time, before air-conditioning and when smoking was allowed. When male legislators at times made sexist statements, and young staffers learned how to handle their new jobs. With candor and insight, Jan Grunewald brings alive the memories from under the dome 'back in the day'. Host Gregory Humphrey and Grunewald offer fond recollections of State Senator Lloyd Kincaid, State Representatives Lary Swoboda, Stan Gruszynski, and Cletus Vanderperren, along with other memorable faces from the past. In a personal closing commentary, Humphrey allows insight into an uplifting moment for democracy at the Capitol.

What was it like to be involved as a listener and as a participant when radio shows were broadcast live to listeners nationwide? Today's guest as a boy was a 'radio star' and as a teenager attended numerous radio shows including the Gene Autry and the Ozzie and Harriet shows. With production skills which imitate the grand days of old time radio, this show is certain to be a delight.

What makes ham radio so relevant in today's world, and why is AM radio so nostalgic and wonderful? Doty Land, a podcast from Madison, Wisconsin takes up the task of providing some answers with two guests.Paulette Quick joins in the discussion regarding how local government benefits from ham radio operators. Insightful and charming, her interview provides background as to why ham operators are not just engaging in a hobby but also aiding in our communities. Bruce Miller takes us back in time to examine what made AM radio so special and why today's youth can still feel the excitement of past generations. Gregory Humphrey packages a podcast with memorable radio clips and connects with the reason radio influenced listeners and made an impact.

After months of working on a podcast the first Doty Land project is less than 24 hours away from going 'on air'. I am pleased with the product and trust listeners will find it worthy of their time.

Starting soon Doty Land will start podcasting long-form interviews about ideas and issues with interesting people. Too often rancor abounds on the airwaves while many people in the nation want civilized discussion. From the Madison isthmus those conversations are about to begin. I ask that you become a part of my audience. Thanks.