Many UW-Madison students take pride in contributing to the university’s status as a top party school, but one recently wrote about why he avoids drinking. Our guest shares his thoughts on being sober at UW-Madison. We also learn about the science behind good barbecue, and cover an important news story.
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UW Graduate Says Staying Sober Amid Campus' Drinking Culture Is No Easy Task
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a regular on top 10 lists of the biggest party schools in the country. But not all students celebrate the drinking culture prevalent on campus.
Jonah Beleckis is a UW graduate who struggled with the culture and is now speaking out. He said it’s an interesting experience being in a room full of people where one is the only one in a different state of mind.
“It’s been isolating,” said Beleckis, who wrote about his experience in an article published in The Capital Times and Daily Cardinal.
Beleckis said he knew of the university’s reputation, but selected Madison for a lot of reasons that didn’t include the drinking culture. And for him, it took a lot of effort to find a group of friends in a place where “drinking was the norm.”
“I had a lot of conversations and interactions to explain to people that I didn’t drink, just because it’s kind of the assumption that you do. But I was able to find my support systems and group of friends who didn’t drink as much or didn’t drink at all either,” he said.
Beleckis said he wrote his article to bring awareness that although drinking “may permeate society is not unequivocally good.” Quoting statistics on alcohol and crime, he questions how one can ignore the link between sexual assault and drinking.
“The research shows it’s a factor, and it does impair decision making,” he said. “There were different times where it seemed like the person I know, would not have done this.”
According to Beleckis, if the university really wants to tackle its sexual assault problem, one method to fix the problem can be found in addressing the drinking culture on campus.
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WEDC Tax Discrepancies Review
The state’s economic agency is reviewing more than 200 tax credit discrepancies with millions of dollars at stake. We’ll talk with a government reporter about the news. -
What It's Like To Be A Non-Drinker At UW
Madison recently made the top 20 in a list compiling the drunkest cities in the country. We talk with a recent UW graduate about what it’s like to be a non-drinker at UW-Madison.
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Food Friday: The Science Of Great Barbecue And Grilling
As we gear up for Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of grilling season, we talk to the founder of AmazingRibs.com about his new book on the science of good barbecue and grilling.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- Veronica Rueckert Producer
- KP Whaley Producer
- Amanda Magnus Producer
- Jonah Beleckis Guest
- Matthew DeFour Guest
- Meathead Goldwyn Guest
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