Painter Ram Rojas joins Debra Fitzgerald for a conversation about his journey from Venezuela to Door County, his classical training around the world, and the people and landscapes that have shaped his work. He reflects on what decades of painting have taught him about place, memory and community – from his studio practice in Ellison Bay to the public murals he's created across the peninsula, including the former Nelson True Value mural in Baileys Harbor, as well as works at The Clearing and the Door Community Auditorium.

Door County’s large, educated retirement population is a curious, engaged, and eager-to-learn crowd who share knowledge, making Door County’s version of Learning in Retirement a model for the rest of the state. Jeff Schmeckpeper, the nonprofit board’s current president, talks with Debra Fitzgerald about how the program has evolved, the numerous courses offered, the peer leaders who offer the courses (including the most popular) and why the program is vital in a place like Door County.

The tables are turned in this episode, when Annika Johnson interviews Myles Dannhausen Jr. about his journey from pizza tosser to reporter and many steps in between. Originally produced for the Al Johnson's YouTube series Door County Girl, this episode features two people who grew up in businesses at the feet of their parents and includes a look at life growing up here, the restaurant life, and why all politicians should have to bartend.

Dominic Frandrup, Director of Door County Libraries, sits down with Debra Fitzgerald to discuss the future of the Door County Library system. The conversation explores how these public, community-centered spaces are governed, funded and operated, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen the library system. Consultants from Rethinking Libraries have been working with the county and the Library Board to identify opportunities to improve efficiency. With more than 75% of Door County residents holding library cards, Frandrup highlights the strong community support for local libraries, trends in circulation, and how these vital public spaces continue to evolve.

Few restaurant openings have been as hotly anticipated as that of La Sirena last summer. And no wonder - it’s the first time a restaurant has opened with a Michelin and James Beard pedigree. Chef Carlos Salgado and his wife and business partner Emilie Coulson Salgado join Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about what called them to Door County from California, how their restaurant vision was formed, life in family restaurants and what’s to come from the kitchen at La Sirena.

Northern Door County lost a big part of the community Monday when Sister Bay/ Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht died from complications of an aneurysm he suffered in April. In this episode, Myles Dannhausen Jr. reflects on the many ways Hecht made an impact on the community, but also on him personally. Read more about Hecht here>>

Leadership Door County has been quietly shaping the future of our community for more than three decades. Since 1990, the all-volunteer organization has brought together professionals from across industries for an immersive, nine-month experience that goes far beyond traditional leadership training. Regan Hendrickson, the current class representative (who works as the Door County Family Court Commissioner and Register in Probate), and Kyle Veeser, alumni and Leadership Door County board president (who works as the Chief Deputy and Undersheriff with the Door County Sheriff’s Office), talk with Debra Fitzgerald about leadership, service and why investing in people is one of the most important things a community can do. (edited) 

In a village with the historic pride of Ephraim, every change is made under a microscope, so when a number of major projects had piled up 10 years ago, the village had to make a plan to address them that took that pride and history into account. Brent Bristol and Ken Nelson join Myles Dannhausen Jr. to discuss how the village prioritized the highway project, north end path, village hall, Anderson Dock, and maintenance building needs to allow for as much community input as possible in the process.