This season of Human Powered podcast launched in June of 2025 with a conversation with the Executive Director of Wisconsin Humanities, Dena Wortzel, just after the nonprofit reduced staff and paused programming due to federal funding cuts. Co-hosts Jessica Becker and Jen Rubin shifted from behind-the-scenes producers for Human Powered to pick up the mics themselves. In that first conversation, they talked with Wortzel about an uncertain path forward. In this episode, Wortzel returns for an update about Wisconsin Humanities’ continued role for Wisconsinites, what has been learned at “Listening Sessions” with community members and cultural leaders around the state, and where Wortzel sees hope. Tune in to find out what is on the horizon for this unique and crucial nonprofit, and how 50+ years of investment in the public humanities continues to make ripples.

Additional Links to check out:

→ Visit the Wisconsin Humanities website and subscribe to the newsletter to stay abreast of the grant program and other projects in 2026. 

This episode of Human Powered was produced and edited by Chrissy Widmayer. All rights reserved.