Join host Larry Meiller every weekday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on The Ideas Network stations as he discusses environmental and consumer issues, gardening and helpful "how-to" topics with his guests. Executive producer Jane Rotonda, along with producers Jill Nadeau and Natalie Guyette, seek out knowledgeable guests who give you accurate advice on a range of topics impacting your life and community. And you're always welcome to be part of the conversation as Meiller helps you get your questions answered. Also tune in to an encore broadcast of Friday's " Garden Talk " show every Saturday morning at 6 a.m. And visit the show's blog any time to keep the conversation going. We’re starting a book club! It’s easy to join, and we’d sure be glad to have you. We'll read four books throughout the year, and then discuss them with the author on the show. Our theme is travel, whether it’s traveling the globe or visiting a different era or learning about a way of life that isn’t your own. It’s all about exploring something new and embracing the unfamiliar. So let’s turn the pages and go on a journey, together! BOOK AUTHOR SHOW DATE "The Geography of Bliss" Eric Weiner Thursday, March 25 "Meet Me Halfway" (available through UW Press ) Jennifer Morales Thursday, June 24 *More books and details coming soon!
Winter is not easy on our car batteries. We talk with vehicle maintenance expert Jim Ward about what we need to know about charging batteries safely in both hybrid and traditional cars.
Fitness-oriented goals are the most popular New Year's resolutions this year. If you've made that goal, our physical therapists have tips on the kind of training you should be doing, staying consistent and avoiding injury.
Fitness-oriented goals are the most popular New Year's resolutions this year. If you've made that goal, our physical therapists have tips on the kind of training you should be doing, staying consistent and avoiding injury.
Gardening doesn't have to be overwhelming or time consuming. We talk with a professional kitchen garden designer about selecting the right site, soil and plants; how to control pests and disease; and how to get bigger and better yields.
Whether it's countertops, sinks, appliances or the whole room, kitchen renovation is top of the list for many homeowners. We talk with an expert about what's new in kitchen remodeling and how to get more bang for your buck.
Ice fishing is a great winter pastime, but safety needs to be a priority when conditions are fragile. We talk with a retired DNR biologist who's a passionate ice fisherman about this year's mild winter and how to stay safe on the ice.
Ice fishing is a great winter pastime, but safety needs to be a priority when conditions are fragile. We talk with a retired DNR biologist who's a passionate ice fisherman about this year's mild winter and how to stay safe on the ice.
It's time for the 38th annual Bald Eagle Watching Days, held in Prairie du Sac. We hear what's going on this year, plus brush up on how this iconic bird is fairing in Wisconsin.
It's time for the 38th annual Bald Eagle Watching Days, held in Prairie du Sac. We hear what's going on this year, plus brush up on how this iconic bird is fairing in Wisconsin.
Looking for new pie flavors? How about strawberry-margarita pie with a salted rim? Or bubbling butterbeer or chocolate-covered cherry? Our guests have a cookbook out that takes pie to a whole new level with inventive flavors and new techniques.
Looking for new pie flavors? How about strawberry-margarita pie with a salted rim? Or bubbling butterbeer or chocolate-covered cherry? Our guests have a cookbook out that takes pie to a whole new level with inventive flavors and new techniques.
How do you enjoy Wisconsin's great outdoors throughout all seasons? We talk with a clinical psychologist who says we don't spend enough time in nature and it can affect our health. We'll also talk about ways to make getting outside a priority.
How do you enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors throughout all seasons? We talk with a clinical psychologist who says we don't spend enough time in nature and it can affect our health. We’ll also talk about ways to make getting outside a priority.
Kids give us plenty of reasons to celebrate, so it's understandable that many of us want to share them on social media. But internet safety experts say posting pictures of children might not be the best idea in terms of privacy. We talk with one of our tech experts about the risks of putting childrens' pictures online and more.
Kids give us plenty of reasons to celebrate, so it's understandable that many of us want to share them on social media. But internet safety experts say posting pictures of children might not be the best idea in terms of privacy. We talk with one of our tech experts about the risks of putting childrens' […]
Moss can be a beautiful design element in a garden. We talk with a gardener, who is an expert in planting and maintaining moss gardens, about designing one that will work in your landscape.
Moss can be a beautiful design element in a garden. We talk with a gardener, who is an expert in planting and maintaining moss gardens, about designing one that will work in your landscape.
Winter can do a number on our indoor plants. We talk with an expert about light, fertilizer, and other needs so you can keep them happy and healthy during the cold, dark months.
Winter can do a number on our indoor plants. We talk with an expert about light, fertilizer, and other needs so you can keep them happy and healthy during the cold, dark months.
Habitat for Humanity has programs that serve veterans, the elderly, and families who have been marginalized. We take a look at the organization, its history, and plans for the future.
Habitat for Humanity has programs that serve veterans, the elderly, and families who have been marginalized. We take a look at the organization, its history, and plans for the future.
Home and furnishing styles from the 50's, 60's and 70's have been popular for more than a decade. We talk with an architect about why it's so appealing to today's homeowners.
Home and furnishing styles from the 50's, 60's and 70's have been popular for more than a decade. We talk with an architect about why it's so appealing to today's homeowners.
Florida is a popular tourist destination, with a record of 137.6 million people visiting in 2022. We take a trip to the Sunshine State ourselves to hear how species like the manatee and sea turtle are fairing. Then, we talk about a rare wildlife sighting in Wisconsin.
Diane Nordstrom, the associate director of brand communications at UW-Madison, is retiring after more than three decades with the Badgers. We talk with her about the world of sports communications and how it's changing.
More than 67 million people bowl each year, says the United States Bowling Congress. Our guest is one of the people keeping bowling alive in Wisconsin. We learn more about the sport, including what it takes to be a competitive bowler.
A dog's environment has a lot to do with its behavior. Patricia McConnell is back to explain why your rescue dog might have behaved differently at the shelter than it does at home.
Santa and Jingle (the elf) stop by the Ideas Network studio to answer our most pressing questions about their Christmas Eve operations. They're eager to take calls from our youngest listeners to talk with them about their Christmas wishes.
On a special edition of our Book Club show we hear from many of our regular guests. We asked them for book recommendations, one that relates to their profession and one that doesn't.
Christmas trees, as we know them, originated in Germany and were brought to the United States by immigrants. Today, climate change is forcing these beloved conifers to adapt in order to survive. We talk with a plant pathologist about the future of the Christmas tree.
Jupiter and Orion are just two of the many objects shining bright in the winter sky. An astronomer visits to tell you what you can see in the celestial sphere. Plus, we learn why light pollution is a problem in outer space.
Most - if not all - Christmas songs have been performed by many different musicians over the years. We compare and contrast different versions with our music expert on our Annual Holiday Music Show.
It's estimated that up to 80 percent of Americans will experience back or neck pain at some point in their lives. It's especially common in office workers. Our physical therapists return to tell you what you can do to prevent and treat neck pain — and when it's time to get help.
You can bring lots of color and scent into your home during the winter with spring bulbs. We talk with horticulture expert Melinda Myers about how to get them to bloom indoors.
Home improvement expert John Freiburger is back with us to share great ideas for gifts for the DIYer in your life. You may want to get some of them for yourself too!
It's never too late to do something about climate change, says author Lawrence MacDonald. We talk with MacDonald about his book “Am I Too Old to Save the Planet? A Boomer's Guide to Climate Action,” where he outlines the small and big steps people can take to confront the issue.
Two out of five adults are expected to develop type 2 diabetes during their lifetime, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. A La Crosse-based diabetes educator joins us to talk about diabetes prevention and self-care.
It's the season for gift giving, and that means many people will be looking to purchase the newest technology. One of our tech experts is back to help you pick out the best gadgets for your loved ones. Plus, tips on buying a new smartphone.
One of the country's longest running farmers markets has been going strong in Madison for over 50 years. In celebration, a new cookbook has been released featuring ingredients that can be found there. We take a look at the book and talk about growing for the market.
Holiday shopping is in full swing. We talk about how you can find true good deals, how to be safe online and how to make sure toys are safe. We also look at the latest scams and how to get free credit reports.
Wildlife specialists Jamie Nack and David Drake are back to tell you how you can get involved with bird and animal counts this winter. Plus, they'll share news of rare wildlife sightings around the Midwest.
Snowmobiling, skiing and shopping are just a few of the activities that shine during a Wisconsin winter. The secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism shares her list of upcoming events that help make this season bright.