Wisconsin Life

Two-time Olympian Stephanie Roble talks about the joys of sailing as well as her roots on Wisconsin’s Lake Beulah. The East Troy native is competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics Games in Paris in sailing on a 49erFX boat with teammate Maggie Shea of Illinois.

Wisconsinites are proud of many element’s of the state’s culture. But one that it’s notorious for is so connected to everyday life that it can be difficult to realize when it has a hold on someone. John Plageman talked with his mother, Kathleen Plageman, about alcohol addiction and life after sobriety during a StoryCorps Mobile Tour stop in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The world’s best athletes will soon be descending upon the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Watching thousands of runners, swimmers and gymnasts enter the stadium for the Opening Ceremony is electric. But then, when you think about all the people who helped those athletes succeed and get them to where they are now, that’s inspiring.

Nancy Jorgensen is one of those people behind-the-scenes. The Waukesha writer — and mother — tells us about raising an Olympian.

Dan Jacobs has received numerous accolades as a chef in Milwaukee, including as a James Beard Award semifinalist. He’s cofounder of the American-Chinese restaurant DanDan and fine dining spot EsterEv. Jacobs became the hometown hero on the most recent season of “Top Chef: Wisconsin.” He talked with Steve Gotcher of WPR’s “BETA” about representing the city of Milwaukee on the show, while also bringing awareness to Kennedy’s Disease, which he’s had since 2016.

A Chicken Q is a name for a charcoal chicken dinner sold as part of a fundraiser. But the name is really only known regionally in the La Crosse area — places like Tomah, Black River Falls and Prairie du Chien. They are also popular among nonprofit groups like fire departments in Trempealeau County, north of La Crosse. WPR producer John Davis reported this story and digital news editor Andrea Anderson voiced it. This story came from an audience question as part of the WHYsconsin project.

The art of quilting goes back thousands of years, with different communities, families and artists developing their own style. Heidi Parkes has found her own niche in quilting by creating collages that tell stories. WPR’s Margaret Faust visited Parkes in her studio at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, where she’s the Artist in Residence.

No matter where we live in Wisconsin, we share our community with birds. Writer Ron Davis of Eau Claire has been thinking a lot about his feathered neighbors, particularly the crows.

America’s favorite pastime might not be the preferred recreational activity for everyone, like writer Jill Sisson Quinn. But then, her son fell in love with baseball. Because of his unwavering adulation, the joy of the sport might just have spread to his once indifferent parents.

Anyone who uses social media presents a somewhat edited version of themselves. They’re selective about what they post, use photo filters, or create cartoon-like stylized avatars as their profile image. WPR’s Emily Ralph, a trans woman, used her Bitmoji avatar in her coming out process – slowly making changes in the digital realm before they became Emily’s physical reality. Over time, Emily began to wonder what the experience was like for her Bitmoji, on the other side of the digital divide. This story comes from the perspective of that Bitmoji.

Losing someone special is never easy. But thankfully, a person can live on through storytelling. Using the power of stories, we remember precious moments and share what they meant to the world. Miriam Brabham of Green Bay reflects on her memory of her grandmother and how her passing impacted her perspective on life.