Podcasts about public radio

A Belfast-based tour guide points out the places where native son Van Morrison found inspiration for his music and poetry. Then a Romani author tells us about the variety of communities within her culture, both on the continent and in the US. And an adventure traveler shares some of his favorite scenic hikes in Europe. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Bethel, Vermont is home to a rare geological treasure: a brilliant granite that's often described as the whitest in the world. The stone has been quarried there for generations and sent as far as Paris and Abu Dhabi. Two local residents want to know: Why is this stone found in Bethel, of all places? And is it found anywhere else?Thanks to Bennett Law and Owen Daniel-McCarter for the great questions. Click here for photos and a full episode transcript.For more on granite in Vermont, here are some suggested resources: Vermont Stones/Italian Bones (2016) by Bill Johansen, published by the Bethel Historical Society A three-part series about the Woodbury Granite Company by Paul Wood in The Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association, 2021 “How has the geology of Vermont affected its character?” (Brave Little State, 2017) “Meet Giuliano Cecchinelli, Barre's last Italian stone carver” (Vermont Public, 2023) This episode was reported by Sabine Poux. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: That's Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our intern is Sarah Bokelberg. Our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Gail Wiese, Timothy Rath, Laurie Grigg and Denise Guilmette.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

There's a city office in Madison responsible for investigating and monitoring the local police department. It's looking into the July police shooting of Corey Ruiz.

Candidates discussed Gov. Evers' failed tax relief deal, data centers, policing, school vouchers and more.

A severe tornado ripped through the Fox Cities region of Wisconsin on Monday. Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson details the destruction.

Chris Ballew is BACK for his fifth Power Chord Hour appearance to talk about his 11th solo album Newborn Human, the making of the Presidents 1996 sophomore album II, if it's harder to open or close and album and lots more CHRIS BALLEW https://chrisballew.org https://chrisballew.bandcamp.com https://www.instagram.com/chrisballew https://www.instagram.com/pusaband PCH Instagram - www.instagram.com/powerchordhour Facebook - www.facebook.com/powerchordhour Youtube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jTfzjB3-mzmWM-51c8Lgg powerchordhour@gmail.com Donate to help show costs - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pchanthony https://cash.app/$anthmerch Check out the Power Chord Hour radio show every Friday night at 8 pm est/Tuesday at Midnight est on 107.9 WRFA in Jamestown, NY. Stream the station online at wrfalp.com/streaming/ or listen on the WRFA app/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Limits are the key to stimulating creativity, innovation, and collaboration. In a world that gives us seemingly infinite choices and prizes freedom above all else, we have an unprecedented number of options regarding what to do, who to be, and how to spend our time. All that choice is wonderful, but it is also overwhelming. The irony is that total freedom can be paralyzing, and unlimited resources don't necessarily lead to the biggest breakthroughs. In fact, overvaluing complete freedom can be disastrous for everything from starting a company to harnessing creativity to finding personal satisfaction. In his new book, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better, David Epstein argues that all of us — individuals, businesses, institutions, even societies — can benefit from narrowing our options. Epstein dives into the science and practice of constraints, exploring exactly when and how guardrails can be beneficial, whether we're working with limited resources or using self-imposed boundaries to tap unexpected wells of focus and innovation. Inside the Box reveals how boundaries create breakthroughs, and how setting the right constraints can help you become the most creative, productive, and satisfied version of yourself. David Epstein is the author of the number one New York Times bestseller Range and the New York Times bestseller The Sports Gene. He has master's degrees in environmental science and journalism and has worked as a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and as an investigative reporter for ProPublica. Katy Sewall is the host and creator of The Bittersweet Life podcast. She's a writer, podcast consultant, and a Public Radio professional frequently heard on 94.9 KUOW. She's also the former Program Director at Town Hall. Buy the Book Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better Elliott Bay Book Company

Hear why one writer chooses to invest the time in crossing America by train instead of hopping a quick flight. Then discover what taking high-definition photos of Earth from space revealed to a veteran astronaut. And get inspired to view the Renaissance treasures of Florence. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

But despite its high ranking, downward trends in some categories could see Wisconsin lose its place in the top ten.

Canadian wildfire smoke led to days of terrible air quality in Milwaukee in July. A local man created an app that helps folks understand wildfire smoke where they live.

As of July 22, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 105 cases cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called cyclospora.

Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe explains how the partisan primary works, how to vote absentee, voter ID requirements and election security.

The lagoon near the city's lakefront is looking a bit desolate, and its water is unhealthy. But Milwaukee County Parks intends to change that, and wants to know what the public would like to see.

Over 100 vendors, food trucks, live music and more! Shop The Lot at Scheels Arena happens this Sunday. We chatted with Lillian of Scheels Arena and Devyn of Grow Artistry to get the details!

As the air quality improves in Milwaukee, wildfires continue spreading across Canada. Milwaukee County's chief health policy advisor shares how to stay healthy during air quality warnings.

"Abolish ICE." "Defund the police." These words and slogans carry a lot of weight. But what do they mean to organizers in Milwaukee who fight for systemic change?

"Abolish ICE." "Defund the police." These words and slogans carry a lot of weight. But what do they mean to organizers in Milwaukee who fight for systemic change?

Garrett Klahn of Texas is the Reason joins us this episode to talk 30 years of Do You Know Who You Are?, the TX30 reissues that Revelation Records are releasing this year, how the band reunited, plans for the rest of 2026 and much more GARRET KLAHN www.texasisthereason.com www.instagram.com/texasisthereasonofficial www.instagram.com/staplesinger PCH Instagram - www.instagram.com/powerchordhour Facebook - www.facebook.com/powerchordhour Youtube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jTfzjB3-mzmWM-51c8Lgg powerchordhour@gmail.com Donate to help show costs - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pchanthony https://cash.app/$anthmerch Check out the Power Chord Hour radio show every Friday night at 8 pm est/Tuesday at Midnight est on 107.9 WRFA in Jamestown, NY. Stream the station online at wrfalp.com/streaming/ or listen on the WRFA app/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Lincoln Avenue School students are still recovering from hearing their school was destroyed by fire. Now, students will be at Pulaski High School in fall 2026.

The Wisconsin Policy Forum just released a report about the aftermath of the August 2025 floods in the Milwaukee area.

A master stonemason considers the great sites of Europe and shares what these enduring structures can teach us about permanence, craft, and human ambition. Then an Italian tour guide sheds light on the Dolomites, the spectacular setting where Italian, German, and Ladin traditions meet. Plus, an aficionado of American road trips tells us about efforts to revitalize historic Route 66 as a national heritage trail. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Our guest on This Week in Radio Tech episode 809 is Tim Berry, Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM, the public radio station at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. WUOT combines NPR news with classical and jazz music, much of it still played live from CDs and occasionally from the station’s enormous collection of LPs. Tim gives us a tour of the control room, performance area, technical center, and an extraordinary music library that also includes thousands of historic 78 RPM records. We’ll see one of Tennessee’s earliest Audio over IP installations, built around Axia Livewire technology and operating for about 15 years. Tim also maintains more than 20 analog and digital amateur radio repeater sites throughout East Tennessee. Join us for a fascinating look at preserving broadcasting’s rich history while planning the technical upgrades that will carry WUOT into the future. Show Notes:Pioneers & Engineers - The WUOT Story Guest:Tim Berry, CBRE, CBT - Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM & WUTK-FM "UT's College of Rock!" Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new USB Phone Gizmo - Put VoIP callers on-the-air The new MaxxKonnect RMT416 Multi Tuner - 4 to 16 AM/FM/WB/HD web-connected tuners in 1 RU Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube

Our guest on This Week in Radio Tech episode 809 is Tim Berry, Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM, the public radio station at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. WUOT combines NPR news with classical and jazz music, much of it still played live from CDs and occasionally from the station's enormous collection of LPs. Tim gives us a tour of the control room, performance area, technical center, and an extraordinary music library that also includes thousands of historic 78 RPM records. We'll see one of Tennessee's earliest Audio over IP installations, built around Axia Livewire technology and operating for about 15 years. Tim also maintains more than 20 analog and digital amateur radio repeater sites throughout East Tennessee. Join us for a fascinating look at preserving broadcasting's rich history while planning the technical upgrades that will carry WUOT into the future.

Welcome back to the Manor!  In preparation for next year's 50th anniversary of Star Wars episode six (A New Hope), we're going to have some fun with various drafts and formats from that galaxy far far away.  This first one is the Public Radio adaptation, in which James read the script and Jody listened to the series.  They had to expand it so it would work for 13 episodes.  What did they add?  Listen in and discover our favorite bits! Next week's episode is Robert Johnson part 2. Get in touch with us at Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-4pksr-a17e1a Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twinterrorsmacabremanormeadmetalmayhe/ Or on twitter: @Terrors_Manor On Instagram: @macabremanormeadmetalmayhem You can also find our podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and I Heart Radio; pretty much wherever fine (and our) podcasts are aired.

As election season picks up, so does the negativity. One of the ways voters see this is in opposition research, or gathering and sharing negative news on candidates. So how does this world work? And how is it changing politics in Wisconsin?

Last year, a listener question inspired us to spend 12 whole hours at a park-and-ride lot in Richmond. This year, we posted up at another Vermont mainstay – a popular ice cream shop near the beaches of Lake Champlain, in Colchester. The Village Scoop is the kind of place where, if you stay put long enough, you can watch a whole Vermont summer unfold in one day. So, we arrived hours before the shop opened and stayed long after the last customer was served.During our marathon day there,  we got a real taste of Vermont summer at its peak, in all its sweltering, melting glory.Click here for the web version of this episode, including photos and a full transcript.This episode was reported and produced by Josh Crane, Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Sarah Bokelberg. Our Executive Producer is Angela Evancie. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Catherine Hurley, Scott Waterman, Chelsea Blais, Hannah Smiley, Emma Foss and Meg Hershman.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Alan Chavoya is a leader in the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. He weighs in at an emergency community vigil after the deaths of three men in other states during ICE traffic stops.

An air quality advisory is in effect for the state of Wisconsin until noon on Friday.

Hunger in Milwaukee kids when school is out and they need summer meals in order to eat. How hunger impacts children's ability to learn and grow.

This week marks the one year since Congress rolled back funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The move left radio stations across the country scrambling to find funding to help cover their communities like KAXE in Grand Rapids.But thanks to a $4.2 million grant from the Bush Foundation, the northern Minnesota news station is now planning to expand news coverage, help create an ambassador program, and strengthen partnerships with regional newsrooms. Sarah Bignall, CEO and general manager of KAXE, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the donation and the news station.

The MMSD commission chair explains what lies ahead for the audit of the district and the company that runs its wastewater treatment plants.

The first annual Swingstock is approaching! Live music, vendors, food trucks and more! Sean of Swing Barrel, one of the organizers joined us in studio to share the details!

Shop The Lot at Scheels Arena, over 100 vendors, food trucks, live music and more! We chatted with Lillian at Scheels Arena, and Aubrey owner "Off The Brim" hat bar for all the details!

The 3rd annual Rock The Lot car show is approaching and it's even bigger and better this year. We connected recently with organizer Michael about all the fun details!

Celebrate Bastille Day with French guides. They'll explain the impressionist techniques perfected in the early 20th century, provide insider advice for designing the perfect Parisian itinerary, and help tackle the immense collection at the Louvre. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

On Wednesday at the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing, Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech that focused on health care fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars.

A nonprofit called Bloom MKE stewards several community gardens in Milwaukee. This summer, they're teaching first and second graders about soil and composting.

Fargo has a new mayor, Josh Buschee. We invited him on the show recently to get to know him and ask him some listener questions. Check it out. 

The 2026 season of the Red River Market is here!! We chatted with Amanda of Folkways to talk about the 12th season and what's new! Plus Susan from Prairie Rose Meadery joined us to talk about her thriving business and what you can expect to find from them at the market!

Artist KC Johns is showing our area some love with a few local show dates. We caught up to talk about her new music, if the industry is showing enough love to women in music or if we need to step it up! Check out our chat!

Recently, ICE officers were in Milwaukee using aggressive tactics as they detained people. This included drawing firearms, smashing car windows and pinning people to the ground. What can videos of ICE's recent operations here tell us?

Judge Dugan was convicted of felony obstructing in federal court in December — in a case that, as she put it, cast her as "both a scofflaw and a hero." Her sentence does not include prison time.

Handyman Academy, designed to mentor Milwaukee youth and teach them handy skills, just wrapped up its third season.

Heavy Metal Summer Experience camp in Wisconsin helps introduce high school students to the skilled trades through projects and weeklong camps at local metal shops.

A chef and cookbook author takes a look at idioms that are shared across diverse languages. Then the head of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum updates us on what's happening this summer at Cleveland's top attraction. And the late historian David McCullough reflects on the Wright brothers and how their dream changed the world. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear about making family memories in western Canada along the historic Rocky Mountaineer train line. Explore the Gulf Islands in the Salish Sea. Learn more about confronting culture clashes in overseas travels. And discover the best local crafts in each of the 50 states. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

You might have heard that the U.S. turns 250 this year. It's a big, corporate to-do — the phrase “America 250” is plastered all over baseball hats and bags of potato chips. But what do Americans really make of this anniversary? The historian Jill Lepore and audiomaker Sophie Crane wanted to find out. They sent reporters all across the country, from California to Louisiana to Vermont, to listen to what people had to say about it.This piece is part of a project called The Listeners, an experiment in hyperlocal documentary storytelling from the Transom Story Lab. You can find the Transom post here and the New Yorker Radio Hour presentation here.Reporting by Eve Abrams in Louisiana, Scott Carrier and Jenny Ament in Utah, Erica Heilman in Vermont, Yohance Lacour in Illinois and David Weinberg in California. It was produced by Sophie Crane. Mix and sound design by Josh Crane with music from Matthias Bossi and Jon Evans of Stellwagen Symphonette. Special thanks to Jay Allison, Jen Jerrett and David Krasnow.The Brave Little State team is Josh Crane, Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Sarah Bokelberg. Our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org  Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

This episode was recorded on May 17th, 2026 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Paul Thorn, Ray Benson, Sunny Sweeney, Andy Friedman. https://bit.ly/4afWiMG⁠

Hear how the US Civil Rights Trail, with 100 stops across 14 states, was organized to help all Americans get an up-close look at the movement to dismantle Jim Crow laws across the South. And listen in as ecologist Chris Morgan describes changes he's observed on Norway's Svalbard archipelago — halfway between the mainland and the North Pole — which indicate how our warming climate is a threat to life in the Arctic. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Three American-born tour guides who have settled in Europe tell us what it's like to make a new home in a foreign country. Then, a lifelong resident of Italy's Veneto region helps us explore the Venice Lagoon as an ever-changing ecosystem shaped by climate change, local history, and the distinct cultures of its islands. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.