From 2015-  Homer Hickam (best known for his memoir "Rocket Boys," which was adapted into the motion picture "October Skies .... and who went on to a major career with NASA)  talks about his novel "Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, his wife, and her Alligator."   The man and woman mentioned in the book's subtitle were Homer Hickam's parents.   

From 2007-  Mark Kreidler discusses his book "Four Days to Glory:  Wrestling with the Soul of the American Heartland."  He follows the exploits of two gifted high school wrestlers in Iowa - both in pursuit of the state wrestling title for their respective weight divisions.   It's one of the best sports books I have ever read. 

David Maraniss discusses his book "Path Lit By Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe."   Thorpe was one of the finest athletes of the 20th century, but he rose to prominence at a time when many doors were closed to Native Americans. This book chronicles every aspect of his eventful life - which was filled with tremendous triumphs as well as devastating setbacks. 

For Nan Calvert's monthly visit to the program, we talk about landscaping with native plants.  Our guest is Danielle Bell, who owns and operates a business called Native Roots that specializes in just that.   

Jeff Bercovici, author of "Play On: The New Science of Elite Performance at any age."   The book explores how scientific breakthroughs are helping elite athletes in a variety of sports sustain their excellence far beyond what once would have been possible.  

Baynard Woods, author of "Inheritance: An Autobiography of Whiteness."  

We preview the 2022 Harborpark Jazz Rhythm & Blues Festival (coming up this Saturday, August 20th, at Celebration Place in downtown Kenosha) with Tim Mahone, Ardis Mahone, Teri Jacobsen, Jeff Weidner, and Sheronda Glass. 

From 2017-  Martha Brockenbrough, author of "Alexander Hamilton:  Revolutionary"  

In recognition of Bryan Albrecht's upcoming retirement as president of Gateway Technical College, who just paid his final monthly visit to the program this past Thursday,  here is an archival conversation that originally aired in May of 2020, which was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This interview was done via Zoom - and the two of us were joined by Patrick Booth, who was the guest speaker for GTC's upcoming commencement.  

From the archives:   NPR's Linda Holmes (host of "Pop Culture Happy Hour") talks about her first novel,  "Evvie Drake Starts Over."