The Defender

In this episode, why faith communities went into Midwestern homes to test the air and what they discovered.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Rev. Brian Sauder, President & CEO of Faith in Place

Resources for You:

Air Aware: The People-Powered Search for Healthy Air

Under the Lens: The Truth About Natural Gas

...but not in a good way. On this episode, a look at the fossil fuel boom caused by AI and the cry for help from state regulators who say they're powerless to stop it.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Ciaran Gallagher, Energy and Air Manager, Clean Wisconsin

Resources for You:

Do AI Data Centers Hurt Your Health? (The Defender episode 81)

The Truth About AI Data Centers and Water (The Defender episode 74)

Clean Wisconsin Action Network

The DNR just revealed a long list of violations at Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline construction site. In this episode, a deep dive into what Enbridge is doing to Wisconsin's Northwoods, and whether the DNR can or will do anything about it.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Evan Feinauer

Resources for You:

Take Action: Tell the DNR to hold Enbridge accountable for violations at Line 5

Join Clean Wisconsin's Action Network

If you think growing hazelnuts is just for Europe or the West Coast, think again. Turns out, we've got a wild, native variety right here in Wisconsin, and people are getting excited pretty excited about it.

In this episode Amy heads out to Sheboygan County to find out why farmers and environmental advocates are so hyped about Wisconsin's hazelnuts.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Aaron Kolste, Wisconsin Hazelnut Farmer

Resources for You:

Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative

Halelnuts Could Help Reshape Wisconsin's Agriculture (video)

Climate Smart Crops

Our neighbor to the south—Iowa—has a cancer problem. In this episode, we look at a new study that paints an alarming picture of rural America... and cancer rates.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Kerri Johannsen, Senior Director of Policy and Programs with the Iowa Environmental Council

Resources for You:

Environmental Risk Factors and Iowa's Cancer Crisis

Nitrates and Health Impacts in Wisconsin

Neonicotinoid Pesticides and Health Impacts in Wisconsin

PFAS and Health Impacts in Wisconsin

Common Pesticides Used in Wisconsin and Potential Health Harms

We all know Wisconsin's weather is full of extremes and wild swings, like snow one day, sandals the next, and then back to snow. But 2026 has been wild even for us. In this episode, Amy talks with Wisconsin's state climatologist about what just happened this year, and what's next.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin State Climatologist

Resources for You:

Wisconsin Center for Climatic Research

One Year Later: What the Milwaukee Flood Took and What it Left Behind

The largest reported oil and gas pipeline spill in state history is unfolding in Wisconsin's Northwoods. A couple of weeks ago, Canadian oil giant Enbridge spilled more than a million gallons of liquid natural gas after it accidentally broke its own pipeline in Iron County. And right now, we have way more questions than answers.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Evan Feinauer, Clean Wisconsin attorney

Resources for You:

Pipeline Spill Video, Courtesy David Joe Bates (Facebook Post)

Clean Wisconsin: Stop the Line 5 Pipeline

Wisconsin must be doing something right, because the first bee ever listed as a federally endangered species is starting to reappear--right here.

In this episode, a walk deep into the Wisconsin woods to find out what it will take to bring our bees back and meet the dedicated experts and volunteers who are working hard to save our pollinators.

In this episode, Amy heads to Columbia County to separate fact from fiction about wind energy… and learn a thing or two about cows.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Jerry Cigelske, 2nd generation Wisconsin farmer

Overwhelmed by the environmental problems we face? In this episode, how to use your knowledge and power - to find your happy place.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Sasha Stone, Green Life Trading Company, Zero Waste Madison

Resources for You:

The Defender Episode 35: Microplastics in Our Bodies - How Much do They Hurt Us?

Green Life Trading Co.

Find out more about Zero Waste Madison

Under the Lens: Microplastics and Our Bodies