Wisconsin Life

Wisconsin State Parks are full of wonders — for human visitors, and for their dogs, as well. WPR’s Anya van Wagtendonk recently went to Natural Bridge State Park to learn more about the best ways to get outside with our four-legged friends.

It's the first day of summer and WPR's Wisconsin Road Trip series is highlighting the best stargazing spots across the state. WPR’s Anna Marie Yanny recently drove to Door County, where Wisconsinites can see actors perform under the stars and visit the state's only International Dark Sky Park.

Leslie Schroeder has a dream. That dream is to have a flax-to-linen textile industry in Wisconsin. Inspired by the local food movement, Schroeder wants to create a market for sustainable and quality local clothing. To jumpstart that effort, the Madison resident helped create the Midwest Linen Revival and is organizing events, like Field to Frock.

Blue moon ice cream is a staple at roadside shops throughout the Upper Midwest. But where did this Smurf-colored treat come from? And what explains its long-standing appeal? WPR’s Sarah Lehr brings us the scoop from an ice cream shop in Columbus as part of our Wisconsin Road Trip series.

The year was 1984. Prince came out with “Purple Rain.” Bruce Springsteen was touring for “Born in the USA.” And on the south side of Milwaukee, America’s polka king, Frankie Yankovic, performed at the Our Lady Queen of Peace parish festival. In attendance that day was six-year-old Mike Schneider. The Yankovic concert changed his life because it inspired Schneider to pick up the accordion. WPR’s Nick Rommel recently talked with the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Famer at a gig in Eagle.

Even in our era of two-day shipping and instant downloads, many booksellers are finding that readers still want the connection of finding their next read in store. WPR’s Hope Kirwan hit the road for our Wisconsin Road Trip series to visit a unique bookstore in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin that’s bringing in more customers every year: Driftless Books & Music.

Adrian Molitor knows a thing or two about hardwood floors. With his Madison-based business, Molitor Traditional Flooring, he’s restored historic floors in some of southern Wisconsin’s most iconic homes and businesses. Jess Miller caught up with Molitor to talk about why the old, weathered wood speaks to him.

When people feel stuck in life, they may seek out new friends or new hobbies. When Jen Rubin of Madison was at that crossroad, she decided to become more spontaneous — in a bold way. The following story was told on April 3, 2017 at The Moth during an open-mic StorySLAM in Madison where the theme of the night was “Fresh.” Here’s Jen Rubin live at The Moth.

It can be really sweet to look back on art projects you created in kindergarten. Maybe it’s a finger painting or a stick figure portrait of your family. For John Klungness of Bayfield, he treasures a wooden corner shelf he made — a work of art he's had for about 90 years.

Some of the people we meet might only be in our lives momentarily, but they can have a profound effect that can last a lifetime. Geoffrey Saunders, private first class in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, had that effect on Adriana Bonewitz. She shared her experience as part of StoryCorps' Military Voices Initiative, which is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

One day each spring, volunteers around Wisconsin get up at dawn to participate in the International Crane Foundation’s Annual Midwest Crane Count. It’s a long-running citizen science project that helps collect data about sandhill and whooping cranes. As WPR’s Richelle Wilson tells us, it’s a chance for some people to connect with friends.

Spring has a way of energizing the five senses. And when it comes to the sense of smell, there are a few scents that we only have a brief time to enjoy, like the lilacs. Author Chris Hardie brings us this essay, “Lilacs: The sweet smell of spring.” It’s featured in his book, “Back Home: Country Tales Through the Seasons.”

Athletes in youth sports are often told things like, “It's not about winning, it's about having fun!” Sure, but what if you haven’t won a single game all season? That’s something Eau Claire Writer in Residence Ken Szymanski dealt with as a soccer coach. He shared a story, “As the Sun Sets on Summer Soccer,” at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire at The Lakely.

As we get older, our relationships with our parents evolve. Poet Karl Michael Iglesias knows this and has been reflecting on how he’s grown into another version of his mother’s son. Iglesias explores this evolution, along with his own gratitude, in the poem, “Satellite.” It comes from his poetry chapbook called, “The Bounce.”

Some professions run in the family. For writer Nancy Jorgensen of Waukesha, she spent her career as a teacher — just like her aunt and just like her daughter. She explores their vocations in this essay, “Rebel Trio.” It's in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs May 5-9, 2025.

As people enter the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, they’re transported from a relatively flat region to a sudden maze of rolling hills. Roads wind up the sides of bluffs and then back down to the valleys below. Its beauty is without question. But where does the name Driftless come from? WHYsconsin went to find the answer.

There’s a certain point every spring in Wisconsin, when it seems like winter is finally gone for good. We put our heavy coats away for the season. Trees and flowers begin to bloom. And, as WPR’s Bridgit Bowden tells us, we begin to hear songbirds welcoming warmer weather.

The movie “Stop Making Sense” has been hailed as one of the greatest concert films of all time. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film unfolds as members of the Talking Heads take the stage one by one, culminating in an explosive dance party. One of the band’s core members, keyboardist and guitarist Jerry Harrison, is a Shorewood, Wisconsin native. WPR BETA host Doug Gordon talked with Harrison about the legacy of the Talking Heads and their iconic movie. Harrison will be back in his home state this weekend, hosting screenings of “Stop Making Sense” in Madison and Milwaukee.

Writer McKenna Scherer is a proud Wisconsinite. Sure, that love is tied to cheese and Spotted Cow. But at the root of that love is her family. Scherer shared a story, “The Largest Gathering of Norwegians in Northwestern Wisconsin, Probably: Gierefest,” at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire at The Lakely.

As winter fades and Wisconsin begins to thaw, the changing season brings renewal not only to the land but also to the human spirit. Writer Ron Weber explores how the arrival of spring awakens long-forgotten memories, and invites us to rediscover the sense of wonder that often lies dormant within us.

We all grieve differently, often facilitating between these worlds of wanting to talk about our loved ones to wanting to be left alone in silence. Writer Yia Lor of Eau Claire gets this. She tells us about finding her place while grieving the loss of her sister, Jer Lor.

Wisconsin’s Justin Vernon is one of the biggest musical artists to come out of the state in the past 20 years. For most of his career, most notably with Bon Iver, he has shied away from the media and chosen to quietly work out of his April Base home studio in Fall Creek. But on his new record, “SABLE, fABLE,” it’s clear a lot has changed. In a rare interview, Vernon talked with Wisconsin music reporter Justin Barney about the new record, which was released April 11.

We all have these images, these moments from our childhoods that stick with us forever. Perhaps it’s the day you learned to ride on a two-wheel bike or a seemingly simple time when you were playing a board game with your sibling. For writer Andrew Patrie, he’s been exploring some of these memories that he says have been “cauterized” in his mind. He shared a story, “Built to Last,” at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire at The Lakely.

Imagine that you are a 12-year-old Milwaukee Sentinel paperboy wandering through an unknown Milwaukee neighborhood on a cold Wisconsin winter evening in 1987. Dan Kois has been there. It made such an impression on him that he’s written a frightening and funny novel all about it. The book is called, “Hampton Heights: One Harrowing Night in the Most Haunted Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”

“American Movie” is a movie about … making a movie. When the beloved documentary was released in 1999, it quickly became a cult classic. “American Movie” was filmed in the Milwaukee area and its subject, Mark Borchardt, has gone on to inspire many artists and filmmakers. WPR’s Evan Casey takes a look at the film’s lasting legacy.

There’s a shop in Middleton that has rows of bottles, mixes and cans — but none of them contain alcohol. It’s called Sober Social, Wisconsin’s first and only non-alcoholic bottle shop. Producer Morgan D. Stewart caught up with its owner, Kristi Tanner, about why she opened the store and their respective recovery journeys.

Many of us have places that make us feel comfortable, at peace. Perhaps it’s a bookstore or a bar. For author and UW-Eau Claire English professor David Shih, it's a place much bigger. He shared the story “The Warehouse Club” at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at The Lakely. 

There’s a dance studio owner in Madison who has been recruiting instructors to come work with her. Many of them are from her home country: Ukraine. As war has wages on in the eastern European country, these instructors have moved 5,000 miles across the world to start new lives in Wisconsin. Dance is one way they stay connected to their Ukrainian culture. WPR’s Jonah Beleckis visited the Fred Astaire Dance Studios to learn what dance means to these Ukrainians.

March Madness is alive and well for sports fans across the country. Here in Wisconsin, fans and alumni will be cheering on their favorite teams and players. One particular Marquette basketball fan will even have the cheers directed at him. WPR’s Corrinne Hess brings us the story of “The Jump Around Guy,” a super fan who’s been going to Marquette games for more than 50 years.

A white pine in northern Wisconsin stood for more than 150 years before it met ultimate fate. Writer Ron Weber of Weyerhaeuser reflects on the tree’s resiliency and how its legacy is being preserved for years to come.

Profound loss has a way of never going away. Writer Amy Fleury moves through her grief on her family's land, where she often thinks about her late son and her own mortality. She shared a story “Evergreen” at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at The Lakely.

A lot of things are not allowed through the doors of Wisconsin’s prisons. Cell phones are banned and even underwire from a bra is considered a possible weapon. But recently, a group of musicians was allowed to venture inside a Wisconsin lock-up with a piano, violin and cello in tow. WPR’s Sarah Lehr brings us this story of “Concerts for Hope,” a show that took place inside the walls of Oshkosh Correctional Institution.

Most of the folks who live on Langdon Street along Madison’s Lake Mendota are short-timers: students or young professionals. But at Kennedy Manor, on the corner of Langdon and Wisconsin Avenue, many residents have lived in the same apartment for decades – some for as long as 40 years. Jess Miller lives around the corner from Kennedy Manor. His curiosity led him to exploring what makes residents want to stay.

Sending a message in a bottle has been romanticized for centuries. People have even cast bottles for scientific purposes. And as author B.J. Hollars tells us, it helped one Wisconsin veteran connect with humanity on a deeper level. Hollars shared this story about a message in a bottle at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at The Lakely.

The La Crosse area helped shape an historic politician, yet many people aren’t familiar with his story. George Edwin Taylor was the first Black person to run for U.S. president. To ensure that more people learn about his story, Taylor’s early life in western Wisconsin is now the subject of a new children’s book. WPR’s Hope Kirwan spoke with La Crosse author Darrell Ferguson about young Taylor’s life.

Lakes across Wisconsin this time of year are dotted in ice shanties, bonfires and bundled people brave enough to face the cold. They hang out in their huts all day long and throw the occasional ice fishing tournament. For writer Patti See of Lake Hallie, these events remind her of another famous festival: Burning Man.

Imagine a Norwegian village during the Viking age. When the day’s work is done, the people play instruments and dance around the fire. But what are they dancing to? For musician Eric Bestul of Iola, imagining those sounds has become an obsession. WPR’s Rob Mentzer brings us this story of using music as a bridge to the past.

People flocked to the Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin in mid-January for the annual Bald Eagle Watching Days. As Christina Lieffring tells us, it was just one opportunity for people to see our national bird in the wild, one that was once dangerously close to extinction.

There are groups of people developing ways to improve life for nursing home residents. One particular researcher in Madison is focusing her work on the Hmong population in the upper Midwest. WPR’s Anna Marie Yanny talked with Mai See Thao about what motivates her to pursue this work

After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, thousands of people fled the country. In 2022, more than 850 of those Afghan refugees resettled in Wisconsin. Now, many of them are making a home in the state. WPR’s Joe Schulz has more on an exhibit in the Fox Valley trying to foster more understanding about the area’s newest neighbors.

The roots of many female friendships are strong and can run deep. They certainly do for writer Jan Mireles Larson of Eau Claire. She shared a story about being in the company of women at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at The Lakely.

Cooking — and eating — traditional family dishes can often be the highlight of a person’s year. For writer Yia Lor of Eau Claire, that beloved dish that she looks forward to making is egg rolls. She shared a story about her love of wrapping the crunchy snack at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at The Lakely.

Few things offer the same comfort and satisfaction as the steady warmth of a wood fire on a cold winter night. Writer Ron Davis of Eau Claire, Wisconsin reflects on how his wood stove taught him resilience, gratitude, and an appreciation for simple, honest labor.

Becoming a parent for the first time can bring a wild range of emotions. Chris Myers of Milwaukee, Wisconsin came head to head with those feelings in the middle of a supermarket. The following story was told at The Moth, during an open-mic StorySLAM in Milwaukee where the theme of the night was “Happy.” Here's Chris Myers live at The Moth.

Actress Gena Rowlands was known for her dramatic, deeply emotional performances in movies like “A Woman Under the Influence,” “Gloria” and “The Notebook.” She won four Emmy awards, two Golden Globes and was nominated for two Academy Awards, eventually receiving an Honorary Oscar in 2015. Rowlands’ career began in Wisconsin and spanned decades before she passed away at age 94 on August 14, 2024. Author Dean Robbins looks back on Rowlands’ legacy and one of her most iconic roles.

Ever wonder where your donated stuff goes if it doesn’t sell? If you donated it to a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in Dane County, then it might end up at a place called Dig and Save Outlet Store in Madison, Wisconsin. At Dig and Save, people can shop for clothes and household items by the pound. But as Alexandra Salmon found out, Dig & Save’s shoppers say there's so much more to the place than just the hot deals.

Throughout his career, Elvis Presley mastered so many talents. He was a musician, actor, dancer and — of course — martial artist. Elvis’ passion for karate played out on the streets of Madison in the late 1970s, just before he played his final show in Wisconsin at the Dane County Coliseum. In honor of what would have been Elvis’ 90th birthday, writer Dean Robbins takes us back to that fateful moment in Wisconsin music history. 

Winter slips and falls are dangerous and can be debilitating. While Milwaukee’s Shauna Singh Baldwin was recovering from her slip and fall, she discovered a Wisconsin community of support, ingenuity and understanding.

Writer Crystal Chan loves to cook. During the pandemic, she traveled home often, enjoying long stays with her parents. To show her gratitude, she would cook delicious and comforting dishes for family dinner. She shares a story celebrating the labor of love that goes into making a great pot of stew. 

Milwaukee lives up to its nickname as the City of Festivals as it draws millions of visitors every year. But it's the Annual Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Festival that draws more than 200 artists from around the world for three days of inking and intrigue. WPR’s Corrine Hess takes us on a tour of the festival to meet the tattoo artists and their human canvases.

Parents will go to great lengths to make sure their kids have the perfect Christmas. Parents like Jan Larson of Eau Claire, who tells us about the quest she went on to find a particular bear for her son.