The Wisconsin Podcast

ESPN Wisconsin contributor and former Sports Editor for The Capital Times, Adam Mertz talks about the shifting expectations for this year's Wisconsin Badgers football team, running back Jonathan Taylor's place in Badgers history, brutal Wisconsin sports losses, and the Brewers and the baseball Hall of Fame.

Outdoorsman Noah Wishau discusses the confluence of hunting and politics regarding chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Wisconsin deer, its parallels to the public debate about climate change and what he sees as a generational imperative to protect nature for future generations.

Jim Lattis holds a Ph.D. in History of Science from UW–Madison and is the author of many publications in that field; he helped create UW Space Place, the outreach and public education center of the UW–Madison Astronomy Dept. and has directed it since its founding. Lattis talks about Wisconsin's contribution to the field of astronomy, his public outreach efforts and what he makes of flat-Earthers.

Wollersheim Winery owner and winemaker Philippe Coquard comes from a family of French winemakers. He came to America and Wollersheim in the 1980s and became the winemaker in 1985. Wollersheim Winery grew rapidly and garnered national media attention with the introduction of its Prairie Fumé wine in 1989. In the coming decades, Wollersheim became one of Wisconsin's most well-known wineries.

Wisconsin picture book writer Pat Zietlow Miller, discusses her craft, getting into writing books for children and where her creative ideas start. Miller's first book "Sophie's Squash" was published in 2013. She has published numerous books since including "Wherever You Go" and "The Quickest Kid in Clarksville" and "Be Kind" — a New York Times bestseller.

Old World Wisconsin depicts Wisconsin's immigrant past by recreating the sights, sounds and spirit of those who came to the state to build their futures. Anna Altschwager, the site's assistant director of guest experience, explains the museum's origins and what she hopes guests take away from their visits.

Former Wisconsin Badgers fullback Matt Bernstein discusses his collegiate football career, Wisconsin fandom, Madison-appreciation, and his famous Yom Kippur game in 2004. Bernstein, not normally a ball carrier, was pressed into heavy service after completing a 24-hour fast and helped lead the Badgers to a win over Penn State.

Writer Erin Clune discusses her humorous version of a self-help book "How to Leave: Quitting the City and Coping with a New Reality." The book tracks Clune and her family's decision to leave life in New York City and move to her hometown of Madison, Wis., as well as the struggles of others who have made similar decisions.

Beer columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal Chris Drosner discusses the craft of beer review and commentary, the state of craft beer in Wisconsin, and his broader journalism career. Drosner started his career working for the Green Bay Press-Gazette before heading to the Wisconsin State Journal. He's currently the executive editor for Milwaukee Magazine.

Mark Walters is a syndicated outdoor adventure columnist who lives in Necedah. He began writing his column, An Outdoorsman's Journal, in 1989. You can read about his adventures, which include hunting, fishing, canoeing and backpacking, in 60 different newspapers on a weekly basis. Walters is also committed to getting young people into the outdoors. He created the nonprofit Kids and Mentors Outdoors, or KAMO.