Wimmer's Wilderness

In Episode #73, we discuss Losing. When did we turn into a nation of whiners who can't accept that sometimes we don't win? Every day, we can lose a game, a job, and an election. We can do so much in losing that makes us better, more intelligent, and more resilient.  Introducing Wimmer's Wilderness, a Podcast that offers a unique perspective on Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education. We delve into these topics from a local viewpoint, sparking intrigue and fostering engagement. Our regions, states, and countries are not just geographical entities but intricate webs of local communities. By fostering positive changes in our local communities, we can create a ripple effect that leads to better regional, state, and national outcomes, instilling a sense of belonging and unity.

We discuss the history of Private Money and how it relates to cryptocurrencies, script, and seashells. Finally, I share the story of the one and only Emperor of the United States and warn against financial manipulation. 

We discuss Flat Tax versus Progressive Tax. Those that benefit most should pay the most.

Episode #69 of Wimmer's Wilderness Podcast focuses on local food production with Marissa of Springhill Heritage Farm in Chetek, Wisconsin. We explore the three-year journey to transfer a dream of locally raised beef, pork, turkey, and chickens in a free-range environment. The low-stress healthy, raised animals provide safe, great-tasting options for our dinner table. Wild harvested maple syrup is also on the menu. We walk through the regulatory, financial, organizational, and personal work needed to make this dream come true. Our honest discussion brings to light the effort required to go from dream to reality. The keys to success revolve around collaboration, research, and hard work.

Today's Community Brief discusses how Critical Race Theory has been turned into the latest boogeyman to scare parents and voters. Then, we delve into Texas's new education laws and the chilly impact they will have on teaching critical thinkers. The overarching theme is to lower the heat on all these issues, listen to each other and follow the facts to good decision making.

We discuss the changes in residential zoning and the impacts it might have on our Communities. Wimmer's Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states, and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we can make a positive change in our local communities, it will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state, and national levels.

Episode #66 of Wimmer's Wilderness Podcast launches our Community Briefing series. We discuss four articles regarding issues that impact local communities. We look at the results of a school district's review of their buildings, a Florida poll on environmental protections, local communities spending federal dollars, and how North Carolina is eliminating local control.

In Episode #65, we read Yertle the Turtle and discuss this great work's political, social, and economic importance. You heard me right. Dr. Seuss's Yertle the Turtle is a marvelous, thought-provoking piece of literature. A society where all the turtles are happy, well-fed, and enjoy personal freedom turned into an authoritarian nightmare. Thankfully a little Turtle named Mack knew all about peaceful protest. Listen as I read this classic 5-minute story and explore its profound meaning and lessons.

In Episode #64, we discuss The Bill of Rights, its history, and what it means to us today. The Constitution is a living document that we must continually examine to improve as we grow as a Country. We explore the fights for and against The Bill of Rights and how its biggest detractor became its champion. James Madison, George Mason, the Federalist, Thomas Jefferson and the voice of the people all played significant roles. 

We discuss the importance of Memorial Day in Episode #63. We listen to Ronald Reagan's 1986 Memorial Day Speech then give some interesting historical facts about Memorial Day. I make a plea to please respect the importance of the Day and to remember our fallen Heros. 

In this Week in Review, we discuss social media and who is really to blame for its influence on society. How was social media used to influence a local election? As in most of our episodes, we have a bit of a history lesson to start us out. Go to wimmerswilderness.org to learn more about what we are accomplishing.

In this Week in Review, we discuss Resiliency planning on South Dakota and Nebraska Ranches. How improving grazing management, wildlife habitat, and water quality all improve the ranches and the environment. I highlight some issues with the American Rescue Plan recently signed into law. Many local governments had received excessive Federal payments when they suffered no loss in tax revenue due to the pandemic. Finish up with a bit of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Launching a Week in Review Series that covers several topics each week that last 15 to 20 minutes per episode. This week Florida, Texas, Indiana and Georgia provide us stories covering Local Control, Public Health and Climate Change. This Episode is broadcast on Wimmer's Wilderness Facebook live.

Update on what is happening in Wimmer's Wilderness. May podcast episodes titled Inflation, Yertle the Turtle, Biggest Personalities in Congress and Running for Electric Cooperative Board.  I discuss the upcoming launch of the Wimmer's Wilderness Store that will carry lip balm, honey, beeswax candles, shirts and hats.  

In Episode #58, we hear Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 Portland speech, commonly known as the 'The Public Good Speech. After his speech, I discuss local electric cooperatives and energy companies. It is essential to highlight the good government can do and what happens when only a negative view of regulation exists. The Public Good must come first; otherwise, we will see the deadly outcome of Texas's electric utility failures continue to happen across our country.

In Episode #57, we hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Letter from the Birmingham Jail. After my brief introduction, we listen to Dr. King read his letter. It is a masterpiece of thought and persuasive argument. I hope you listen to his words and how he answers his critics, details the injustice, shows the path forward, and truthfully explains the suffering they must endure. Dr. King mentioned not one word of harming others, not one thought of retribution for hundreds of years of slavery, abuse, and death, and not one word of vengeance.

In episode #56, Conversation with GreenStep Co-Directors Kristin Mroz and Lola Schoenrich, we explore the positive contributions local communities can have on our lives. We cover a multitude of topics: Sustainability Renewable Energy Resiliency Green Space Equity Collaboration Youth Tribal Nations Local Communities Comprehensive Solutions Climate Change Kristin and Lola share their wealth of knowledge on these topics and many more. They detail how the Minnesota GreenStep program works and benefits the 141 communities that have volunteered to participate. We also touch on the Sustainable States Network and the Great Plains Institute. As Lola said in our chat, "Don't waste time on things that don't matter."

Episode #55 of Wimmer's Wilderness Podcast features our first international conversation with BeeVital's very own Chiara Riolfi. BeeVital is an Austrian Company specializing in honeybee health. Chiara shared a great deal of information about honeybees in numerous countries, regulatory issues when bringing a product to market and how a science-based business improves our environment. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states, and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we can make a positive change in our local communities, it will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state, and national levels.

In today's Episode of Wimer's Wilderness, we have a conversation with Keith Dragisich, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, about Community Banking. What is a community bank? It is a locally owned and operated financial institution. They address the needs of a community by offering loans to small-business owners or personal loans to individuals. Keith and I discuss the benefits of local community banks and how they have evolved. We share several stories and take a deep dive into banking operations. Keith gives us a lot of great advice on how businesses and individuals can benefit from local banks.

In Episode #53, we talk with Clayton Timm of Green Leaf Farms. This aquaponics operation based in Chetek, Wisconsin, is producing Fresh Swiss chard, basil, romaine, kale, leaf lettuce, and tilapia.  At the start of the episode, I give a few minutes of aquaponics history and background information. Clayton and I then discuss the aquaponics' ins and outs and have a little advice if you are interested in starting your operation. 

In episode #52, we discuss Farming. That word means a lot of different things. We have big ag with farms as large as 190,000 farmland acres down to a fraction of an acre for aquaponics operation. Our discussion is going to touch on these and everything in between. Farm finances are also a key topic of debate and the impacts of trade policies. Small community-based farms are a key to a sustainable future. Plus, how many podcasts will play a John Mellencamp song and a clip of Milton Friedman in the same episode?

In episode #51, we discuss Down Ballot. As elections come to a close Nov 3rd, it is essential to understand how down-ballot races impact our lives. It is more than just a Presidential election. Make sure you stick around till the end to play our quiz. You will have a chance to win our Wimmer’s Wilderness Mason glass drinking jar, recycled cardboard pen, and our very popular reusable/retractable drinking straw.

In episode #50, we discuss the Presidency. As the Presidential election comes to a close Nov 3rd, it is essential to understand the position, its powers, and how it has evolved. In today's podcast, we explore the following three points: Point #1 What is the American Presidency? Point #2 How do we pick a President? Point #3 How has the Office of President changed over time? We use a few audio clips from the West Wing, Winston Churchill, and Plato's Republic to help make a few points. We finish with our Quiz allowing our listeners to win a Wimmer's Wilderness Mason glass drinking jar, recycled cardboard pen, reusable-retractable metal drinking straw, and a $50 gift card.

In episode #49, we discuss voting in depth. We cover five main points. Point #1 - Founding Fathers' views and some local community views on who should vote. Point #2 - How the first several national elections impacted voting, Point #3 - Important dates in voting history with some help from historical voices of Sojourner Truth as read by Kerry Washington, Martin Luther King Jr, and LBJ. Point #4 - Recent voting changes and issues. We use audio from a public Brookings Institute discussion regarding the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder. Point # 5 - When does voting start and where to vote. We end our episode with our quiz.

In Episode #48 we have a great conversation with Cameron Winkler, the President of Conservation Made Simple. We discuss his interest in conservation, starting when he was a 12-year-old volunteering at his local zoo and evolving into a non-profit to educate and lead on environmental issues. Conservation Made Simple is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose goal is to empower people to acknowledge and reduce their environmental impact. We believe that it is possible for anyone to change the environment in a positive way. Today, the Conservation Made Simple team reaches out to people through social media and our programs and projects to inspire individuals, communities, and businesses to build a planet that will thrive.

In Episode #47, we discuss Education funding trends from 2005 to date. We explore the effects on education funding of the Great Recession and the economic recovery up to the Covid19 Pandemic impact. Our second topic delves into the promise of state lotteries and the realities of their negative trends on education funding. We finish with my run for a local school board seat and our fun Quiz.

In episode #46, we are going to discuss the census in depth. I have covered the census previously, but it is essential to keep getting the word out to get our national count completed and done accurately. We are covering 5 points Point #1 What is the Census? Point #2 What it means to Apportionment? Point #3 What it means to Funding? Point #4 Why is this Census Different in 2020? Point #5 How do we Count everyone?

We have a fun conversation with William Colaw and Cara Loeb the Co-Founders of CritterFacts. Their Mission is: 'To spread knowledge, create curiosity, and inspire appreciation, for wildlife and our environment, that in turn promotes wildlife welfare, supports conservation efforts, and helps to preserve the world around us.' Learn more by going to CritterFacts.com

In Episode #44 we do a quick update about Covid19 and school openings then spend most of the episode talking about starting a backyard honey bee operation.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

We have a good conversation about some terrifying national debt and farm subsidy numbers. Covid19 continues to be a growing concern with our listeners, so delved back into that crisis. Honey bees provided a bit of happiness at the end of our podcast as we detailed a bit of our five-part series I am writing for CritterFacts.com

In Episode #42 Mask, Covid19, and Bees, we delve into a Gallup Poll about mask-wearing, discuss Covid19 spread, and honey bees. We share a lot of great information in the first two segments and finish with my passion project, raising honey bees. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states, and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we can make a positive change in our local communities, that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state, and national levels.

In Episode #41 we have a great conversation with former North Branch, MN Mayor Kirsten Hagen-Kennedy. We discuss her campaign for the 2018 DFL nomination in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District, her years of community organizing, mayoral campaigns, her work to improve public health and her winning a Bush Fellowship. It is, at times, blunt and raw as we discuss the harsh political climate in her area and throughout the Country.

We discuss the politics and necessity of wearing a face mask during the time of Covid19. Food Banks across our Country face escalating demands and dwindling resources. Our Country is moving fast to open up economic activities, and we delve into the positives and negatives. We finish this episode with our Quiz and a chance to win a Wimmer's Wilderness Mason Jar Drinking Glass, recycled cardboard pen, retractable/reusable straw, and a candle made from our very own beeswax.

Welcome to Wimmer’s Wilderness. In this episode, we have a conversation with Ryan Kernosky, the Community Development Director and Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. We discuss Community Development, Economic Development, Public Service, and so much more, including how the Covid19 Pandemic is affecting local communities. I am your host George Wimmer. I have 30 years of volunteer work, community organizing, and 16 years in local government – 12 as mayor. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education from a local perspective.

In this episode we have a Covid19 update, discuss the financial impacts to local governments and finish with lessons learned from the Great Recession. We have our popular quiz in which you may win a Wimmer’s Wilderness Mason Jar drinking glass, Wimmer’s Wilderness recycled cardboard pen and the very popular retractable – reusable straw.

In this episode we discuss 2020 as the lost year, wildlife corridors and telemedicine. We have a couple parody commercials interlaced and our popular quiz.

In Episode #36 New Reality we discuss the concept of Flattening the Curve, Stay at Home Orders and the future episodes. We are in a whole new world reality and we must be prepared to do our part. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

We have a great conversation with Jennifer Rombalski, Public Health Director of La Crosse Wisconsin.  Public health is defined as the science of protecting the safety and improving the health of communities through education, policy making and research for disease and injury prevention. The definition of public health is different for every person. We discuss a wide range of topics of how to make our communities healthier and what it takes to have a good Public Health Department.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

Conversation with Mayor Wheeler of Bremerton, WA. We discuss his Military and Public service. Our conversation covered topics of public health, housing, jobs, environment and many more than impact his community. Also some really innovative ideas to better serve communities throughout our Country. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

Conversation with Chair John Pepper of Norwich Vermont. We discuss his lifetime of business success and how that has motivated him to help make his community a better place. We discussed livable wages, affordable housing, transparency, climate change impacts and so much more. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.  

We are on the cusp of Primary/caucus season. This process starts February 3rd in Iowa and ends June 7th in Puerto Rico. We take a look at the first 4 contest and a few other states and discuss their impact on selecting our next President.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

In Episode #31 we answer the question of why Wilderness is in the Podcast title and let our listeners know what to expect in 2020. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

In Episode #30 we discuss what types of taxes are used to fund local government. I use Texas and Minnesota as examples of the variety we can see from state to state. We compare and contrast the different revenue generating models and then discuss how effective each provides resources for local governments. Did you know Texas has the 3rd highest local property taxes in the entire Country?

We discuss President's Washington's warning about political parties in his Farewell Address. We are living in an age that is ruled by partisan fighting and gridlock. Here is a hint to the solution - compromise is not a dirty word.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

In Episode #28 we discuss a conservation survey from Montana then delve into our main topic of Cyber Attacks on Local Governments. We finish with our 3 question Quiz where you can win a Wimmer’s Wilderness mason glass drinking jar, a recycled cardboard pen and our very popular retractable – reusable drinking straw. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

We discuss the Trillion dollar a year deficits, the nearly $23 Trillion National Debt by laying out its history and the troubling consequences to our Nation.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

Episode #26 is covers the #1 threat to American Democracy and Government - President Trump. We must ensure that Democratic Candidates do not outbid themselves on a drive to secure primary votes that they are unable to win the General Election.  We discuss climate change, guns, college tuition, healthcare and more.

We discuss how recycled plastics, specifically plastic bottles, are used to make clothing and if that is an environmentally positive process. We then move on to Community Development and finish with our Quiz. Our Quiz prizes include a Wimmer's Wilderness mason glass drinking jar, recycled cardboard pen, retractable/reusable straw and a $25 Visa gift card. 

An interesting conversation with Sam Mamet the Executive Director of the Colorado Municipal League. We discuss how cities deliver services and the roles of local officials. The importance of state and local partnerships. Sam relates several stories from his decades of experience serving cities in Colorado and Nevada.  I would like to welcome you to Wimmer’s Wilderness. We are working to bring greater awareness to our local communities and how important they are. We as individuals can have a significant impact on the quality of our communities. I have always wanted to create a way to help bring a little more light on important issues that affect us. I have created a Podcast called Wimmer’s Wilderness to give voice to this idea. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at decisions about Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and national level.

This is our second Episode answering listener questions. We cover topics ranging from Home Rule, why cities build parks and trails and Economic Development subsidies. We answer 5 questions in depth and provide a lot of great information.  We have parody sponsorship ad and finish with our Quiz. There are three quiz questions. Each question is from this week’s episode. Get your pencil, pen or device ready to write down the answers. When you have completed the quiz go to wimmerswilderness.org and fill out the Quiz answer form on the quiz tab. You will be entered to win the Wimmer’s Wilderness Mason Jar drinking glass, recycled cardboard pen and the very popular retractable – reusable straw. Get your answers in by Friday, July 26th.