The Eau Claire Marathon serves a prominent role in thecommunity and as such, a leader for initiatives.  One of those is serving as a positive example for “sustainability” and being good partners with our environment.  Kayse Elmquist helps to steer the marathon’s sustainability mission and we learn more about it on this episode

What does “sustainability” mean and what do those effortswith the marathon look like?

The success of programs such as the “shoe drive” and howthey impact far beyond the race.

The partnerships they’ve collaborated with locally.

Back for a return visit is area doctor Eric Spears, a physicalmedicine rehabilitation doctor.  Listento episode #72 for details on his specialty and unique skill set.  On this episode, the two focus more on hismove to the direct-pay model and away from insurance-based care.  Why did Dr. Spears decide to make the moveand go through this new path to providing care?

In his specialty, time with a patient is paramount,something that isn’t an option in insurance-based care as offices need to movethrough numbers.

Eau Claire Parents Rallying to Support Schools...Stephanie Hirsch throws city staff under the bus...complaints about the new stadiums at Eau Claire's high schools

Food insecurity is a growing problem across the country and Dunn County is not immune with a staggering 38%of households hitting that metric. David Stanley, Assistant Director at Stepping Stones of Dunn County talks to us about their food pantry program and the upcoming Empty Bowls Fundraiser Oct. 18th at Tanglewood Greens.

We cover the reality of the growing need and that the “face” of who comes to a food pantry is changing.  David also educates us on the challenges services like Stepping Stones is facing as we reach the winter of 2025-2026.

Presented by Jackie Hunt State Farm Agency in Menomonie

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting-but it also comes withplenty of surprises, challenges and learning curves.  Heather teaches A LOT of puppy classes and touches on the things new pet owners should realistically expect when they arewelcoming a new furry friend to their home.   From sleepless nights and pooping on your carpet to cuddles and laughter, all the ups and downs of puppyhood are covered.

Whether you’re thinking about adopting or have already brought a puppy home, this episode offers tips andreassurance to set realistic expectations.

A number of local music groups exist in the Valley.  Lori Olsen with Troppo Big Band and Cathy Reitz from…well…everything joins us for the latest “Living Gallery” podcastfrom the Heyde Center.  They describe the role local music groups play in connecting the community and providingaccessible entertainment opportunities for both performers and the audience.

Kristie Smith, Executive Director with St. Croix ValleyHabitat for Humanity details the concept of what “starter homes” and the importance of keeping them affordable for families.  One of the keys to fighting rising housingcosts is increasing the inventory of starter homes and Habitat for Humanity is putting an extra focus on this.

Kristie explains how this is a market-based project thatdoesn’t receive any subsidies.  How are they able to achieve this and what are the steps to the project?

Dan discusses a local school district that pivoted on arecent decision and has corrected a wrong…the various rabbit holes that still exist with the Charlie Kirk assassination…Trump sending troops into Americancities…and previews an upcoming gun banquet on the Jam grounds.

In this episode, Keenan Crawford with Eau Claire's Poquette, Donnellan and Schlewitz Law dives into the different type of trusts available to individuals andfamilies.  From revocable living truststo irrevocable trusts, what are the pros and cons of each that provide assetprotection.

How does all of thisdiffer from a “will”?

Who should be thinkingabout trusts and why your marriage status factors into that answer?

Are you your sleeping with the enemy? Dr. Usher talks aboutobstructive sleep apnea, which impacts close to 30% of adults.  To have sleep apnea means you are havingbreathing difficulties. It’s a condition that becomes more prevalent as we get older and symptoms go much deeper than “do you snore”.   Just about anyone can get sleep apnea regardless of what your weight is.

So how can having obstructive sleep apnea impact yourhealth, beyond not getting good sleep (and perhaps impacting a sleeping partnertoo). Why do we care about this disease.

Sleep apnea is the #1 cause of treatment resistant highblood pressure!