The Morning Show

By Wisconsin Public Radio

What's The Morning Show about?

“The Morning Show” is a live, call-in program hosted by Kate Archer Kent that provides news and thoughtful conversation through a Wisconsin lens. We seek diverse voices on state and national news, arts, culture and social issues.

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The Morning Show episodes:

04.24.2024
How Americans feel about tipping, Making tasty drinks without alcohol, What your cat is trying to say
We explore tipping culture in the United States. Then, we learn about the renaissance in non-alcoholic cocktails. Then, we explore a scientist’s journey uncovering how wildcats became domesticated and part of our Wisconsin families.
04.23.2024
Finding unmarked graves, Better ways to teach science
We talk with a UW-Eau Claire professor who uses deep ground penetrating radar to detect mass graves containing the remains of people who disappeared in clashes a half century ago. Then, we talk to UW-Madison professor about his book that...
04.22.2024
Revisiting the fight to remove PCBs from some Wisconsin waters, Nature-inspired interior design
We talk with the co-authors of a new book that details the decades of toxic pollution to the Fox River and Green Bay. Then, we explore nature-inspired design with biophilic design consultant Catie Ryan Balagtas.
04.19.2024
Ownership succession at Wisconsin family businesses, Poet Cynthia Marie Hoffman
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates more than one-quarter of American firms are family-owned. We examine the unique nature of these enterprises and hear from Wisconsin family business owners. Then, author and poet Cynthia Marie Hoffman discusses her new poetry book,...
04.18.2024
New weight-loss drugs, DIY advice from the Trans Handy Ma’am
We learn about a new class of drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, that aim to help a variety of health issues. Then, we talk with Mercury Stardust, known as the Trans Handy Ma’am on TikTok, about her new home maintenance...
04.17.2024
New book on rural America, Rising car and home insurance rates
A new book from Ohio historian Steven Conn argues the image of wide, open spaces in rural America is romanticized and inaccurate. We discuss the book, “The Lies of the Land,” with Conn. Then, we examine the projected continued increases...
04.16.2024
Support group for grandparents, Efforts to reduce smoking, Sugar production
We learn about the role of grandparents in addressing child care shortages. Then, we explore efforts to reduce smoking in Wisconsin. Then, the host of a podcast called “Big Sugar” discusses sugar production in the United States.
04.15.2024
History of division within political parties, Investigation of Wisconsin gun deaths
We examine the early years of Hubert Humphrey with roots in South Dakota, becoming Minneapolis’ mayor, and efforts to fight racism at the state and national level. Then, we discuss a special report on gun deaths in Wisconsin.
04.12.2024
Literacy Network anniversary, Ways to soothe vocal cords, Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
We talk with a leader and sponsor of Literacy Network about the organization’s legacy and its 50th anniversary this year. Then, a Wisconsin speech pathologist explains ways to treat vocal cord dysfunction. Then, a Michigan author discusses his latest book...
04.11.2024
‘Wisconsin Foodie’ Luke Zahm, Cicada emergence, Rural response to climate change, Soil fumigation
We explore restaurant news with “Wisconsin Foodie” host Luke Zahm. Then, we get updates on this summer’s rare double-emergence of cicada broods. Then, we hear about two new rural partnerships responding to climate change. Then, a plant pathologist discusses the...
04.10.2024
New immigration patterns in Darién Gap, Rare blood disease amyloidosis, Spring concert music preview
A UW-Madison professor explains new research and immigration patterns in the Darién Gap. Then, a hematologist discusses a rare blood disease known as amyloidosis. Then, WPR’s Lori Skelton previews the spring concert season.
04.09.2024
Milwaukee Film Festival, Breaking financial barriers, The happiness of Americans, Child care at colleges
We preview Milwaukee’s annual film festival. Then, Centro Hispano Dane County explains a new report which examines how to help Latinas save money. Then, the World Happiness Report reveals the happiest countries. Then, we learn about an initiative to bring...
04.08.2024
Bills aim to strengthen local journalism, State Rep. Jerry O’Connor on his first session, Creating greater access to local foods for students
We learn about legislative proposals in Wisconsin that aim to support local newspapers. Then, Republican Rep. Jerry O’Connor discusses bills recently signed into law. Then, a Wisconsin grant program bolsters students’ access to local foods. We hear from four of...
04.05.2024
Sen. Ron Johnson, Michigan seed saver shares preservation advice, Potential of biofuels, Wisconsin Film Festival
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson details election results, inflation and more. Then, as Wisconsin gardeners prepare for spring planting, we meet a Michigan seed saver. Then, the Wisconsin Energy Institute shares efforts to make biofuels to power cars and planes. Then,...
04.04.2024
Best tasting tap water, Port safety, Author James Patterson on libraries and bookstores
A Wisconsin water operator talks about making delicious tap water. Then, the head of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority talks bridge safety. Then, best-selling author James Patterson talks about his newest book and a local bookseller shares their perspective.
04.03.2024
History through the lens of objects, Great Lakes maritime stories
We examine an effort to chronicle state history through objects, such as doorbells and heirloom ornaments. Then, an author shares stories from Great Lakes maritime history.
04.02.2024
New research of Down syndrome, Moving advice for seniors, Metal detecting in Wisconsin
The head of a UW-Madison lab talks about new research of Down syndrome. Then, the Appleton-based writer of “Ask Jean” shares moving tips for older adults. Then, we talk with a pair of Wisconsin detectorists about their hobby, free services...
04.01.2024
Learning about WisconsinEye, More evictions, Advancements in kidney disease research
We speak with the head of WisconsinEye about the future of the independent Capitol broadcast organization. Then, we learn the latest behind housing affordability and a growing number of evictions. Then, we speak with two medical practitioners in Wisconsin about...
03.29.2024
Opening day for Brewers, Wisconsin poetry, Financial advice for millennials
A sports journalist previews the baseball season of the Milwaukee Brewers. Then, we hear from a panel of Wisconsin poets. Then, a financial advice podcaster offers advice on saving money as a millennial.
03.28.2024
Women’s sexual health, Immigration lawyers, Ezra Klein, The Repair Cafe movement
An author of a study on women’s sexual health discusses the findings. Then, we examine a shortage of attorneys creating a backlog of immigration cases. Then, New York Times columnist Ezra Klein joins the show ahead of a Madison event....
03.27.2024
Wisconsin native wins Oscar, Hospital for wild birds, Illness politics and social media
We hear from Green Bay native and producer Josh Rosenberg about contributing to “The Last Repair Shop,” which won an Academy Award this month for best short documentary. Then, we learn about a hospital for injured and ill birds amid...
03.26.2024
Hearing loss in rural America, Ability ambassadors, Coffee as an artform
We talk about hearing loss and a new study showing its prevalence in rural areas. Then, a leader of The Alumni Resource Center and a pair of ability ambassadors overview a project to promote workplace accessibility. Then, we hear from...
03.25.2024
April elections, Rep. Shelia Stubbs talks criminal justice, Advice for spring cleaning
A WPR reporter previews the statewide April elections. Then, state Rep. Shelia Stubbs, D-Madison, joins the show to discuss criminal justice issues. Then, we get spring cleaning tips from a professional organizer.
03.22.2024
New construction helmets, Research on soybean products, Author talks history of Latinos in Wisconsin
We learn about a collaboration to reduce work-related traumatic brain injuries. Then, a soybean farmer tells us how the crop could be used in firefighting. Then, a Marquette University historian chronicles the role of churches and religious spaces for Latinos...
03.21.2024
Student podcast recognized by NPR, America’s hardest jobs, Research on daddy longlegs, Carbon neutral parks
A UW-Madison student tells us about his podcast on changing technology. Then, a Washington Post columnist and a member of the Milwaukee Fire Department talk about America’s hardest jobs. Then, we explore new research on daddy longlegs. Then, we discuss...
03.20.2024
Avian influenza, Milwaukee area food bank, Efforts to reduce school bullying
We hear about efforts to prevent avian flu in Wisconsin. Then, we learn about reducing hunger in the Milwaukee area. Then, three guests share perspectives and approaches on preventing and stopping bullying in schools.
03.19.2024
Local health care group partners with Ohio company, Junior Iditarod mushers, Seeking show ideas
The head of a Wisconsin-based health insurance cooperative talks about plans to partner with an Ohio-based company. Then, we hear from two Junior Iditarod mushers about their experiences in this year’s race. Then, “The Morning Show” invites listeners to offer...
03.18.2024
Deer hunting ban, State Senate voting, Protecting shipwrecks, A cappella theater
A Republican state legislator discusses a bill that would ban doe hunting in northern Wisconsin. Then, we recap recent state politics news with a panel of reporters. Then, a maritime archaeologist talks about preserving shipwrecks. Then, an actor and a...
03.15.2024
One month from tax deadline, Federal budget proposals, Wool production in Wisconsin
The leader of Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue discusses how this tax season is shaping up and the agency’s estimates for future tax collections. Then, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities provides analysis on President Joe Biden’s proposed federal budget....
03.14.2024
Superior native leads school teaching Ukrainian kids, Democrats withhold votes for Biden, Wisconsin IVF specialist shares concerns
We talk with a Wisconsin native who is principal of a Chicago school enrolling Ukrainian children. Then, a Milwaukee activist explains why Democrats should not vote for President Joe Biden over his response to the Israel-Hamas war. Then, an infertility...
03.13.2024
Schools ask voters for more money, Leader of technical colleges leaving post, Boom in construction jobs, Ethics of medical psychedelics
We learn why Milwaukee Public Schools will ask voters for more funding. Then, the retiring head of Wisconsin’s technical college system reflects on changes and challenges in higher education. Then, we explore recent economic news with a WPR reporter. Then,...
03.12.2024
Janesville’s new convention center, Fewer walleye, Advice for life amid climate change
We hear about a new sports and convention center in Janesville. Then, we learn why Wisconsinites are seeing fewer walleye. Then, we explore questions about living through climate change.
03.11.2024
Records from the fake electorate scheme, Gov. Evers’ tax cut veto, Efforts to archive Native American history
A WPR reporter explains the newly released documents behind the fake elector case in Wisconsin. Then, we talk to state Rep. Tony Kurtz about Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to veto the Republican-backed tax cut package. Finally, we talk to the...
03.08.2024
How Wisconsin’s winter is affecting ticks and other pests, Updates on teen vaping, Learning about waste incineration
A science professor explains how Wisconsin’s warm winter is affecting the state’s population of pests like ticks and mosquitos. Then, we learn about newer trends in teen vape use. Then, a UW-Eau Claire professor tells us about waste incineration technology...
03.07.2024
Poor People’s Campaign, Reinstated visits for incarcerated people, Care for neurodivergent people
We talk with leaders of the Poor People’s Campaign about their advocacy for low-income voters. Then, the head of Milwaukee County’s Community Reintegration Center discusses services for incarcerated people. Then, a panel of researchers and providers review care for neurodivergent...
03.06.2024
Fluoride in drinking water, Antarctica’s climate, Space exploration
A dentist and a researcher discuss the health benefits and risks of fluoride in drinking water. Then, we hear from a meteorologist on a UW-Madison project studying extreme weather in Antarctica. Then, a NASA scientist and a space reporter review...
03.05.2024
De Pere scholar back on ‘Jeopardy!,’ Locations of gunshot sensors, Life next to Lake Superior
We speak with St. Norbert College’s Ben Chan, who is back on “Jeopardy!” in the show’s Tournament of Champions. Then, we learn about the placement of tens of thousands of gunshot monitoring sensors, including more than 100 in Milwaukee. Then,...
03.04.2024
Palliative care legislation, Guns on college campuses, Author on a just economy
We learn about a bill that would establish a statewide advisory council on the practice of palliative care. Then, we talk with state Rep. Deb Andraca, D-Whitefish Bay, about proposals to restrict firearms on college campuses. Then, we examine a...
03.01.2024
UW-Madison research milestone, Bridge closure, Union decertified, Assisted living, Margarine history, Miss Snowflake
We learn about UW-Madison’s new record for research funding. Then, the Prairie du Chien mayor describes the impact of a bridge closure. Then, an Oshkosh worker explains why he helped decertify his union. Then, we hear two stories about people...
02.29.2024
Monitoring viruses in schools, Racial wealth gaps, Risks of food additives
We learn about detecting viruses by monitoring air in public spaces. Then, an economist at the Chicago Federal Reserve explains why racial wealth gaps persist. Then, we examine efforts to reduce the use of additives in food.
02.28.2024
Ethics agency recommends charges, Turkey earthquake a year later, Federal funding for research in Wisconsin
A WPR reporter explains why the state Ethics Commission is recommending felony charges in a campaign finance case. Then, a UW-Madison student from Turkey details the country’s recovery after a devastating earthquake. Then, we learn more about National Science Foundation...
02.27.2024
New reading guidance, Refugee resettlement, Trump’s court appeals, Wisconsin golf courses
We explore the state Department of Public Instruction’s new list of recommended reading programs. Then, we hear about a nonprofit working in the Chippewa Valley to resettle dozens of refugees. Then, a Marquette University Law School scholar discusses former President...
02.26.2024
State Assembly advances bills, Reduced wait times for job licenses, New book on poverty
The Assembly wraps up its floor session. We talk with a statehouse reporter about bills and constitutional amendments that advanced. Then, we explore a new audit that shows reduced wait times for professional licenses. Then, we learn about how the...
02.23.2024
Bears awakening, Midwest video game publishers, Wisconsin’s young workers
We discuss reports of black bears awakening earlier than normal from hibernation amid Wisconsin’s warmer winter. Then, a former Netflix employee shares his vision for creating a hub for video game development across the Midwest. Then, a panel of leaders...
02.22.2024
Red light cameras, Wisconsin code talkers, Light pollution’s threat to birds
A researcher at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety discusses a push by Milwaukee officials to install red light and speed enforcement cameras. Then, a Ho-Chunk Nation representative talks about the role of Native American code talkers in World War...
02.21.2024
War in Ukraine, Single-family zoning, Seeking show ideas
A Wisconsin sociology professor discusses Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now entering its third year. Then, we examine a Minneapolis ban on single-family zoning and the push to block it in court. Then, we gather your ideas for future programs of...
02.20.2024
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Robots in factories, Monarch butterflies, Wholeness at midlife
We talk with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez about leading a new task force examining challenges in health care. Then, we learn about a study of robots in manufacturing. Then, a researcher outlines why a decline in monarchs is concerning. Then,...
02.19.2024
Legislature advances new voting maps, Protections for migrant farmworkers, Landscaping advice
We discuss how voting maps backed by Gov. Tony Evers and recently approved by Republican legislators would affect future elections in the state. Then, we learn about new farmworker protections administered by the state Department of Workforce Development. Then, we...
02.16.2024
Ice climbing, US Rep. Mark Pocan, Black media in Wisconsin
We talk to a veteran ice climber from Wisconsin in advance of the Winona Ice Climbing Festival. Then, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan reviews Congress and the U.S. Postal Service. Then, we talk to a panel of journalists and scholars about...
02.15.2024
A world without snow, Hiring in Wisconsin schools, How race shapes city planning
First, a researcher tells us about the impact of reduced snowpack in Wisconsin and beyond. Then, the head of an association of school personnel administrators gives an update on staffing and retention in Wisconsin schools. Then, two guests give insight...

What's The Morning Show about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Morning Show episodes:

How Americans feel about tipping, Making tasty drinks without alcohol, What your cat is trying to say

Finding unmarked graves, Better ways to teach science

Revisiting the fight to remove PCBs from some Wisconsin waters, Nature-inspired interior design

Ownership succession at Wisconsin family businesses, Poet Cynthia Marie Hoffman

New weight-loss drugs, DIY advice from the Trans Handy Ma’am

New book on rural America, Rising car and home insurance rates

Support group for grandparents, Efforts to reduce smoking, Sugar production

History of division within political parties, Investigation of Wisconsin gun deaths

Literacy Network anniversary, Ways to soothe vocal cords, Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

‘Wisconsin Foodie’ Luke Zahm, Cicada emergence, Rural response to climate change, Soil fumigation

New immigration patterns in Darién Gap, Rare blood disease amyloidosis, Spring concert music preview

Milwaukee Film Festival, Breaking financial barriers, The happiness of Americans, Child care at colleges

Bills aim to strengthen local journalism, State Rep. Jerry O’Connor on his first session, Creating greater access to local foods for students

Sen. Ron Johnson, Michigan seed saver shares preservation advice, Potential of biofuels, Wisconsin Film Festival

Best tasting tap water, Port safety, Author James Patterson on libraries and bookstores

History through the lens of objects, Great Lakes maritime stories

New research of Down syndrome, Moving advice for seniors, Metal detecting in Wisconsin

Learning about WisconsinEye, More evictions, Advancements in kidney disease research

Opening day for Brewers, Wisconsin poetry, Financial advice for millennials

Women’s sexual health, Immigration lawyers, Ezra Klein, The Repair Cafe movement

Wisconsin native wins Oscar, Hospital for wild birds, Illness politics and social media

Hearing loss in rural America, Ability ambassadors, Coffee as an artform

April elections, Rep. Shelia Stubbs talks criminal justice, Advice for spring cleaning

New construction helmets, Research on soybean products, Author talks history of Latinos in Wisconsin

Student podcast recognized by NPR, America’s hardest jobs, Research on daddy longlegs, Carbon neutral parks

Avian influenza, Milwaukee area food bank, Efforts to reduce school bullying

Local health care group partners with Ohio company, Junior Iditarod mushers, Seeking show ideas

Deer hunting ban, State Senate voting, Protecting shipwrecks, A cappella theater

One month from tax deadline, Federal budget proposals, Wool production in Wisconsin

Superior native leads school teaching Ukrainian kids, Democrats withhold votes for Biden, Wisconsin IVF specialist shares concerns

Schools ask voters for more money, Leader of technical colleges leaving post, Boom in construction jobs, Ethics of medical psychedelics

Janesville’s new convention center, Fewer walleye, Advice for life amid climate change

Records from the fake electorate scheme, Gov. Evers’ tax cut veto, Efforts to archive Native American history

How Wisconsin’s winter is affecting ticks and other pests, Updates on teen vaping, Learning about waste incineration

Poor People’s Campaign, Reinstated visits for incarcerated people, Care for neurodivergent people

Fluoride in drinking water, Antarctica’s climate, Space exploration

De Pere scholar back on ‘Jeopardy!,’ Locations of gunshot sensors, Life next to Lake Superior

Palliative care legislation, Guns on college campuses, Author on a just economy

UW-Madison research milestone, Bridge closure, Union decertified, Assisted living, Margarine history, Miss Snowflake

Monitoring viruses in schools, Racial wealth gaps, Risks of food additives

Ethics agency recommends charges, Turkey earthquake a year later, Federal funding for research in Wisconsin

New reading guidance, Refugee resettlement, Trump’s court appeals, Wisconsin golf courses

State Assembly advances bills, Reduced wait times for job licenses, New book on poverty

Bears awakening, Midwest video game publishers, Wisconsin’s young workers

Red light cameras, Wisconsin code talkers, Light pollution’s threat to birds

War in Ukraine, Single-family zoning, Seeking show ideas

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Robots in factories, Monarch butterflies, Wholeness at midlife

Legislature advances new voting maps, Protections for migrant farmworkers, Landscaping advice

Ice climbing, US Rep. Mark Pocan, Black media in Wisconsin

A world without snow, Hiring in Wisconsin schools, How race shapes city planning