We talk about the current state of the U.S. economy with Dr. Ron Cronovich,  Professor of Economics at Carthage College.  We also talk about one of the primary areas of focus within his academic discipline:  Poverty.  

We talk about one of the most discussed, influential, and honored television programs over the last decade - Modern Family.  Marc Freeman's new book is titled "Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television's Groundbreaking Sitcoms."  

From 2008 comes this interview with best-selling author Julius Lester, talking about "Let's Talk About Race" - which is intended in part for young readers  but also as an aid to parents and other concerned adults wanting to talk with young people about complicated issues related to race and racial identity.

Siketu Mehta's book is titled "This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant's Manifesto."   The book examines how many of the major Western countries have preyed upon poorer nations in a host of ways, which is why so many of the people of those small and poor nations are now desperate to find better lives elsewhere.  Mehta also examines many ways in which immigrants are vitally important contributors to America's culture and economy.  

Rev. Tim Larson shares his experience of contracting COVID-19 (as did his wife and daughter.) 

From 2004- Milwaukee-based writer Greg Borowski discusses his book "First and Long:  A Black School, A White School, and Their Season of Dreams."  It's an illuminating account of the difficulties that ensue when two football programs -  from dramatically contrasting high schools - are consolidated.  

Howard Means draws upon his expertise as a journalist and competitive swimmer to write "Splash!  10,000 Years of Swimming."  

For Nan Calvert's monthly visit to the program, we speak with Mary Ann Feist,  curator of the Wisconsin State Herbarium.  

Part One:  PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk talks about her newest book, "Animalkind: Remarkable Discoveries about Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion."     Part Two:  Soman Chainani talks about the final book in his series called "The School for Good and Evil."   Part Three:   Tom Angelberger talks about adapting the character of Geronimo Stilton into a graphic novel. 

Bryan Albrecht, the president of Gateway Technical College, pays his monthly visit to the Morning Show.   Joining him is Ray Koukari, Dean of Manufacturing, Engineering and IT at GTC,  and local entrepreneur Jeff Daniel.