The Lee Rayburn Show

The American Psychological Association found that 67% of Americans feel their stress has increased during the pandemic. That stress can have a negative effect on our friendships. At a time when we need our friends most, we discuss how to nurture relationships and learn how they affect our health.

Most people have a cabinet or drawer of older electronics in their house that they're not using. We're joined by our tech expert to talk about how to get rid of your no-longer-used electronics, understanding electronic recycling and what it means to buy a refurbished or recycled electronic item.

We are seeing the first signs of spring in Wisconsin and it’s time for pruning, starting seeds and cleaning up the garden. We get gardening advice and guidance from a horticulturist and a plant disease expert.

Indigenous people are not known for being comedians, but there are more and more breaking down barriers and stereotypes. We talk about the history of Natives in comedy and look at some of the comedians working today.

We talk with our science expert about new initiatives to address global warming. And take a look at the different COVID-19 vaccines, how they were so quickly developed and when we can begin to safely socialize again.

We’re joined by two wildlife experts to discuss Wisconsin’s bat population and the efforts scientists and volunteers undertake to protect, monitor and manage the species. We’ll also take a look at the spring migrations and phenology happening in our state.

We check in on the latest in Wisconsin sports with WPR’s sports reporter. We’ll look at how Milwaukee teams are welcoming back fans, get an update on Badgers basketball, hockey and volleyball and preview golf tournaments coming to Wisconsin.

New research indicates identifying with a sports team has lots of benefits. We talk to the author of a new book about why being a fan makes you happier and healthier.

WPR director, Mike Crane, joins us to talk about programming changes and specials, and our recent membership drive.

The waste management industry, recycling included, has made leaps and bounds in advancing its ability to reuse and dispose of our garbage and recycling products, but the manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of the products whose packaging and items eventually end up in the trash are only just starting to share the burden. We talk with Wisconsin recycling industry experts about managing post-consumer materials and sharing the responsibility.