We talk with Kenosha's Ben DeSmidt, owner of Union Park Tavern - which is the site of a huge Oktoberfest celebration this weekend that also honors Kenosha's 175th anniversary. DeSmidt, a Professor Emeritus of Classics and Great Ideas at Carthage College, is also a newly elected member of the Wisconsin Assembly, representing the 65th Assembly District.

From 2011- Ken Jennings talks about his book "Map Head: Charting the Wide, Weird World of Geography Wonks." Jennings is renowned as the all-time record holder for most episodes won on Jeopardy (74 consecutive victories) as well as a victory in the Greatest Of All Time tournament. He now serves as host of the program. In this book, Jennings speaks both perceptively and affectionately about maps and how fascinating they can be if we simply take the time to explore them.

Alice Lovejoy discusses her book "Tales of Militant Chemistry: The Film Factory in a Century of War." The book explores the surprising connections between film companies like Kodak and the American military. (Many of the technological breakthroughs in the creation of camera film proved to be helpful in the development of certain kinds of weaponry.)

From 2005- Tom Tucker, "Bolt of Fate: Benjamin Franklin and his Fabulous Kite." The book explores the famous story of Franklin supposedly discovering electricity by flying a kite during a storm in 1752 - and how Franklin may have consciously concocted the story.

From 2009- Alex Scordelis, co-author of "Causing a Scene: Extraordinary Pranks in Ordinary Places with Improv Everywhere." The comedic group, founded in 2001, is famous for such public pranks as its Grand Central Station Mass Freeze- where several hundred participants suddenly froze in place for five minutes in the main terminal. Video of many of their pranks can be viewed either on YouTube or on the group's website, ImprovEverywhere.com.

Part One: A discussion about storm water runoff with Laura Buska (program managers with the Root Pike Watershed Initiative Network) and Samantha Katt (policy expert with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.) Part Two: Ann Burg talks about her novel "Force of Nature," based on the life and legacy of the legendary environmentalist Rachel Carson.

For the anniversary of 9-11 ..... from the archives (2005) Tom Downey talks about his book "The Last Men Out: Life on the Edge at Rescue 2 Firehouse." Many firefighters stations in Brooklyn's Rescue 2 lost their lives on 9-11. We replay this memorable interview in honor of first responders and the important, life-saving work that they do.

We speak with Shawn Rivers, Racine County Veterans Service Officer with Racine County Veterans Services. They are co-sponsoring a Veterans Stand Down resource fair this Saturday, September 13th, 10:00-2:00 at Racine's Festival Hall. We talk about the many services that RCVS offers - all free of charge - to veterans and their families. We talk in particular about resources designed to address concerns around veteran homelessness, food insecurity, and mental health.

Richard Sexton discusses his latest book "Food Fight: Misguided Policies, Supply Challenges, and the Impending Struggle to Feed a Hungry World." Sexton contends that in the formulation of our policies regarding the production and distribution of food, we are creating inadvertent consequences that will seriously undermine our ability to feed the people of the world in coming years.

From the archives- a portion of a past conversation with Zachary Scot Johnson, talking about his Song a Day Project on YouTube. He's returning to his hometown of Racine for a special concert this Friday night, September 12th- a benefit for the Music and More Series. He will be joined by Bob Benson and Dana Roders.