Conversations

Jim Young joins Ed Holahan for an utterly unscripted conversation.

Mary Christenson visits with Lars Bergan, local farmer, teacher and entrepreneur on various relevant seasonal topics from making hay, cultivating mushrooms, soil health through applying biodynamic preparations, the role of watershed councils in our area - to how many of these principles may apply to the greater social fields today.

Frank Dravis discusses the Coulee Region cultural scene with guests Allison Krzych of the Pump House Regional Arts Center, and Gabriella Marvan founder of the Mexican Folk Art Collective. Of the topics they cover, including Artspire and the creation of alebrijes, the trio also explore the roots of the art center and when the Myrick Park Zoo monkeys escaped from the Pump House. Where would they go?

Frank Dravis delves into the Prairie Enthusiasts and Friends of the Blufflands with his guests Jim Rogala and Jon Rigden. They have an enlightened conversation on what comprises a prairie, especially the dwindling goat prairies that still adorn our bluff tops in the Driftless Region. The use of fire as a prairie management tool is discussed, how the native Americans employed it prior to the region being settled, and the importance of remnant species as vessels of our biodiversity genome.

Eddy Nix spends the hour with Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.

Dena's guest is Debra Giilispie, the founder of Milwaukee's Mothers Against Gun Violence. She advocates for the voices of survivors of gun violence, recognizing the healing evoked in telling their stories. This is a powerful telling of one mother's love.

Tamara Dean talks with Ed Holahan about her new book, "Shelter and Storm", a marvelous account of living on the land in the Driftless.

Disaster recovery is a long process and the Village of Ontario knows that as well as all communities along the Kickapoo River that have had to deal with floods. In this episode of Conversations, Marcy West gets an update from Ontario Village President, Mike Parr on what makes Ontario a great community and highlights the projects completed since the historic flood of 2018. 

Mary Christenson revisits themes of Viroqua's road to revitalization with Teresa Washburn, the first project manager of the Viroqua Revitalization program that began in 1989. Thirty-five years later we reflect on the dynamic period since then, built on the creativity, collaboration, good will and integration of new energies that Viroqua is known for today.

Join Marcy West as she chats with two long-time volunteer firefighters from the La Farge Fire Department - Phil Stittleburg and Lyle Dorschied. Hear about the critical role volunteers play in keeping us safe in rural areas, some memorable fires in our area and how to keep your family and property safe. Truly, there are heroes among us in every community!