Read as many Yelp reviews as your heart desires, but one travel writer believes the best way to have an experience that makes an impact is to let some things happen spontaneously. We learn how we can create our own in-the-moment moments. We also talk about the best way to learn a foreign language and discuss how to let a recently widowed acquaintance know you're there for them.

More and more cases of the flu are popping up across the U.S. We'll look at where and what people can do to avoid getting sick. Then, maybe you, like many others, have been tempted by a free trial for an online service. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin warns us that many people end up paying for not reading the fine print. We also talk about some great party foods you can make if you're getting together with friends or family this New Year's.

There's more living in your house than just your family and pets. There are also bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and tiny organisms beyond our imagination. We hear from a guest who has been studying these tiny organisms in our home environments for years and learn why we needn't be too worried about these hidden occupants. We also take a look at this week's top state news.

From graphic journalism and manga to straight up comic books, the comic genre has exploded. And, it's not just for superhero fanatics anymore. We talk to a comics expert about why the form is perfect for getting different messages across. We also talk with an audiophile about why, despite the many advances in music listening and sound, many music listeners still gravitate towards vinyl. And state officials are warning residents of a new invasive insect that was found in Wisconsin. A spokesperson joins us to talk about how residents can help stop the spread in elongate hemlock scale.

The digital age has changed the way Information is shared, and a well-constructed opinion can be difficult to challenge effectively. We hear from a writer who says academic experts should be doing more to educate the public and provide information based on evidence. We also hear from a both sides of the aisle on Governor Walker's career.

Just as you may have some holiday traditions, our presidents have developed a few over time. We hear from a historian about holiday life in the White House. Continuing on with our history lesson, we learn how the Cold War impacted families in Wisconsin.

If it seems like you're sending more birthday cards during a few months of the year, there might be something to that. We talk with an environmental health science expert about seasonal birth rates and why changing climates might affect that. We also talk about the best films of the year and we take a look at the government shutdown.

After gathering the oral histories of descendants of early African-American families in Dane County, our guest wrote a book painting a picture of their early life in Madison. We hear from the author. We also hear about a barbershop in Milwaukee that doubles as a health center and we learn why wit is a valued quality.

Wisconsinite Fred Alley made significant contributions to the world of music before passing away in his thirties. We learn more about Alley and his work. We also hear from an Appleton songwriter who had a very good year and we learn everything we could dream of knowing about the chile pepper.

A project three years in the making wants people dealing with suicidal thoughts to know they're not alone, through a very subtle gesture. We hear about The Bandana Project from its founder. We also hear from a UW-Madison professor who requires students to interview their own parents to learn about history and we get a good look at the economy of the recycling industry.