WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” has covered a lot of ground in the state since launching in May 2024.
From the life-saving benefits of equine therapy, to a village that went viral long before the internet, the show’s producers helped showcase a wide range of the people, places and ideas that make up life in Wisconsin.
To end the year, staff from “Wisconsin Today” picked the stories that stuck with them the most.
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Follow the links below to read or listen to the stories in full.
Wisconsin perfumer on the power of smell
Host: Kate Archer Kent
Why I liked it: When Miller High Life created a cologne to smell like dive bars, we called up a Madison-based beauty industry veteran and perfumery entrepreneur who created a signature scent for Wisconsin. We got an inside look at the complex world of formulating perfumes and learned how these scents are intertwined with memories and emotions. Also, it’s hard to top an interview that leaves a lovely lingering trace of itself in a WPR studio.
The creator of TikTok’s ‘Spirit Walker’
Host: Rob Ferrett
Why I liked it: I interviewed Brandon Johnson of Appleton about his amazing costume creature creations, including the “Spirit Walker.” The program aired, appropriately, on Halloween. He had great stories about the origin of his work, and how it has gotten international recognition while he still stays close to his Wisconsin roots.
See more of the costumes on WPR’s Instagram.
Moving the needle: Wisconsin students calling for divestment from Israel echo past protests
Managing Producer: Tim Peterson
Why I liked it: In echoes from the past, college students across the country — including in Wisconsin — made news this spring calling for their academic institutions to divest from Israel over the war in Gaza. For my first-ever “Wisconsin Today” segment, I was lucky to be able to track down several people involved in protesting apartheid South Africa decades ago in Madison and around the country.
Wisconsin Liberal Gun Club offers firearm training, even to those who don’t want anything to do with guns
Producer: Joe Tarr
Why I liked it: Attitudes about guns are so polarized in American culture that it is unlikely anything a journalist produces will change how people think about them. But this feature allowed me to explore, without judgment or an agenda, why someone would want to learn how to handle firearms.
Wisconsin women share stories of suffering and pain before new guidance on IUD insertion
Digital producer: Jonah Beleckis
Why I liked it: I am particularly proud of this story because we gave it extra time and effort to hear from nearly 20 Wisconsin patients who suffered shocking levels of pain during their IUD insertions. We believed that stories of women enduring such pain in the medical field deserved extensive coverage.
US Army veteran says equine therapy center in Wisconsin saved his life
Producer: Avery Lea Rogers
Why I liked it: I love getting to know our guests. My favorite part about producing this segment was the conversation I had with John Serafin. To me, his story with Trinity Equestrian Center illustrated the complexities of living in the U.S. and Wisconsin. It re-affirmed for me the value of listening to others and honoring their lived experiences. I am incredibly thankful that John shared his story with me and our listeners.
Author Joyce Carol Oates describes moment at UW-Madison that could have ‘sabotaged’ her life
Producer: Beatrice Lawrence
Why I liked it: This was a fascinating conversation with one of the most prolific and eclectic voices in American literature. Hearing about her unexpectedly pivotal time in Wisconsin, in her own unique prose, was a privilege. Something we weren’t able to fit into the show were her thoughts on Wisconsin scientist Harry Harlow’s infamous experiments on rhesus monkeys — she even wrote a poem about them.
How a tiny Wisconsin village went viral nearly 60 years ago
Producer: Colleen Leahy
Why I liked it: I absolutely loved producing this story about a community that has an exceptional and enduring sense of humor about itself, to the extent that it has an annual festival commemorating an inside joke one of its residents came up with nearly 60 years ago. The Winneconneans I met had a charming combination of self-deprecation and fierce pride about their hometown, and that spirit really comes through in this one-of-a-kind annual celebration of their village.
Former Badger returns for second season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League
Producer: Courtney Everett
Why I liked it: As an avid hockey player, it was really special to me to have former Badger hockey player Sarah Nurse share what it’s like to play professionally in a male-dominated sport. The Professional Women’s Hockey League launched last year, and it’s taking strides to inspire young girls to play hockey and create equality for women. The interview explores honesty and hope.
How Wisconsin alcohol producers are transitioning to state’s new liquor laws
Producer: Lorin Cox
Why I liked it: What I enjoyed about this story was its ability to explain a complicated update in state law while bringing it down to the human level through the lens of the small businesses affected by it. Each guest provided their specific area of expertise within the industry to form a more complete picture of how various stakeholders were navigating the change.
Wisconsin violinist is helping create sounds of the RNC
Producer: Mackenzie Krumme
Why I liked it: This feature is about an apolitical violinist who performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. I loved it because we found a unique way to cover the convention beyond politicians. This story is called an “audio postcard” because it includes only the violinist’s voice. The style is a challenge, but I love how it highlights their voice rather than that of the journalist.
Wisconsin band Bizhiki releases new album of powwow-inspired music
Producer: Richelle Wilson
Why I liked it: I loved this interview with Dylan Jennings and Joe Rainey, two Ojibwe powwow singers behind the band Bizhiki. Their new album, “Unbound,” puts a unique spin on powwow music, and the result is powerful. I found myself holding back tears as we played these gorgeous song clips for the interview. We are lucky to have such gifted and generous musicians right here in the state.
‘Mean Gene the Dancing Machine’ shares what it means to be a Green Bay Packers superfan
Producer: Royce Podeszwa
Why I liked it: I liked this one because it felt like a discussion that encapsulated what we’re trying to do at “Wisconsin Today.” We got to tell the unique story of a lifetime diehard Packers fan. And what’s more Wisconsin than that?
Electronic health records go back online at Wisconsin Ascension hospitals
Producer: Trevor Hook
Why I liked it: I’m particularly proud of this segment because it does two things that WPR and “Wisconsin Today” do very well. It speaks with people affected by stories making major headlines and brings in expert voices to contextualize the news. Those experts provide new and informative perspectives on the issues of the day. This segment shows how thorough, informative and unique our show can be.
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