Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The Morning Show” is a live, call-in program hosted by Kate Archer Kent that provides news and thoughtful conversation through a Wisconsin lens. As 2022 comes to a close, we asked nine members of its staff to pick a show that stood out from the hundreds they produced over the year.
Follow the links below to listen to each show.
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Parental choice: Should I have kids?
Producer: Courtney Everett
Air date: April 26
Summary: This segment was a real conversation with a woman who once didn’t want children but eventually had them. As a therapist, she has talked with so many families about the tough questions that people face when deciding whether to have kids.
Why I liked it: It was validating for people to hear that it’s OK to not have kids despite the pressure of society. We don’t often hear that through media or community conversations.
Listening with fresh ears to nature
Producer: Joe Tarr
Air date: Oct. 28
Summary: Scientists have long believed that humans are unique in their ability to communicate through sound. The author of a book explained how digital recording technology has upended what we know about how animals and even some plants respond to sound.
Why I liked it: Being able to incorporate sounds of whales, turtles and coral reef helped bring the author’s research to life for Wisconsinites as we explored the mysteries of life.
Tattooing as a healing art
Producer: Joel Patenaude
Air date: Sept. 8
Summary: Body art can cover up and transform physical scars and help others suffering from body dysmorphia and psychological pain. Four tattoo artists talked about how their artistry transforms their clients.
Why I liked it: Countering the stereotype that tattooing is primarily a tough male artform, we talked with three female tattoo artists and one gender-nonconforming tattoo artist about their work helping people recover from physical and emotional trauma. The guests hailed from Chicago, Green Bay and Madison, and shared their unique perspectives.
8 years after son’s suicide, Wisconsin mom forges ahead with service to others
Digital Producer: Jonah Beleckis
Publish date: Nov. 16
Summary: This article is a profile of Felicia Labatore, who lost her son, Clay Davison, to suicide in 2014. Labatore works as the peer support team coordinator for fellow Kenosha Police Department officers. With help from the Los Angeles Dodgers, she is tackling stigmas around suicide and mental health.
Why I liked it: I wanted to take the conversation we had with Labatore and expand on it by learning more about who Clay was and how people who lose loved ones to suicide put their own lives back together. Labatore was generous with her time and offered insights on something that touches many Wisconsin families.
If you or someone you know if considering suicide, call or text the three-digit suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.
‘Here on Lake Hallie’ chronicles life on the water in small-town Wisconsin
Host: Kate Archer Kent
Air date: June 24
Summary: At a tight-knit lake community in Chippewa County, residents look out for each other and have lots of colorful stories to tell. These stories are beautifully captured by hometown author and lifelong resident Patti See.
Why I liked it: I laughed and cried and realized just how much neighbors and community really matter. It’s home in Wisconsin, and it makes me feel good.
Commemorating the Sikh Temple shooting
Producer: Mackenzie Krumme
Air date: Aug. 5
Summary: On the 10-year anniversary of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin massacre, we dedicated our entire show to commemorating the tragedy. Listen to the second part of the show here.
Why I liked it: Demonstrating the value of talk radio, we heard throughout the show messages of hope, community building, memorializing victims and how to address hate across the nation. It was emotional and memorable with a focus on the future.
Monsanto’s lasting global effect on food supplies
Producer: Royce Podeszwa
Air date: Feb. 14
Summary: The biotech corporation Monsanto once accounted for 90 percent of all genetically engineered seeds in the world. An environmental historian discussed their book about the company’s rise and its lasting effect on the global food economy.
Why I liked it: It’s important to know what you’re eating. The book “Seed Money” and its author made accessible the legacy of a corporation close to home that in some ways directly affects billions of lives every day.
U.S. facing shortage of forensic pathologists
Producer: Trevor Hook
Air date: Sept. 20
Summary: Authorities responsible for completing autopsies and other forensic exams say their workforce has been in short supply in Wisconsin and nationwide. The president of the National Association of Medical Examiners and Waukesha County’s medical examiner discussed the effects of the shortage.
Why I liked it: This conversation highlighted an issue that hadn’t been receiving recent news media coverage. Our guests provided local examples on how the shortage of forensic pathologists is affecting families and communities across Wisconsin.
What should we talk about next?
Interim Executive Producer: Keegan Kyle
Air date: Nov. 17
Summary: Five times this year, “The Morning Show” scheduled caller-only programs where we gathered show suggestions from listeners for a full hour. The most recent one aired in November.
Why I liked it: Although receiving ideas around politics or the environment is more common, I appreciate the eclectic variety that listeners consistently bring. It’s also fun to see producers run with these ideas and make them become reality.
“The Morning Show” welcomes feedback and show suggestions. Email ideas@wpr.org or contact interim Executive Producer Keegan Kyle directly at keegan.kyle@wpr.org. You can also submit program ideas to the team by filling out a two-question online form.
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