Wisconsin Life

Many of us reach a point in life when it’s our turn to take care of our parents. That was the case for Hedi Lamarr Rudd, whose father, LaVelle, had an enormous impact on her life and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. She shared their story at the UW Continuing Studies Writers’ Institute. WPR’s Tyler Ditter produced this story.

Finding forgiveness is deeply personal. Sometimes, it’s easy to forgive someone who’s wronged you and move on. Other times, the road to forgiveness is long and bumpy. But what if forgiveness isn’t an option? Writer Deshawn McKinney of Milwaukee is exploring this in his new, debut collection of poetry, “father forgive me” from Black Sunflowers Poetry Press. He shares one poem from that book, “On Forgiveness.”

There’s a rumor that Rib Mountain in central Wisconsin is an extinct volcano. It seems somewhat reasonable…You can see it from miles away, it has a conical shape and there are volcanic rocks all over the city of Wausau. Well, it’s not. It never was. And although it does have ties to ancient volcanoes, the star of Rib Mountain’s story is a rock too tough to break. WPR’s Liz Dohms-Harter reports.

When WPR producer Steve Gotcher’s daughter, Erika, was a little girl, she started a tradition of sending him letters on pieces of birch bark. Recently, they sat down and talked about how and why it began.

Many know TV personality Allen Ludden for his days as the host of the popular game show “Password,” in the 1960s and ’70s. Or, for his marriage to the beloved actress, Betty White. Perhaps lesser known, is Ludden’s Wisconsin roots. Writer Dean Robbins recently stumbled upon his Wisconsin connection during a weekend getaway to Mineral Point.

Taking the kids camping usually sounds like a great idea, until it’s not. Author BJ Hollars brings us a story about the trials and triumphs of the family camping trip. WPR’s Karl Christenson brings you the story.

The movies of Michael Schultz, like “Cooley High,” “Car Wash,” and “Krush Groove” have given joy, drama and great jams to millions around the world. The Milwaukee native was one of the first and most successful directors in Hollywood to bring the lives of Black Americans to the forefront of his films. Andy Turner recently talked to Schultz, now 83, about his Milwaukee roots and long career, which continues today.

Wisconsin is home to many spectacular waterfalls. And as exploring the state’s natural wonders has grown in popularity, one WHYsconsin listener wondered why the northern part of the state seems to have a monopoly on those waterfalls. WPR’s Andrea Anderson takes you up north to find out more about the waterfall’s geology and appeal. This story was produced by WPR’s John Davis.

When we cook, we’re able to keep our family’s dishes and memories alive for generation after generation. That’s the case for Anne Marie Herman in Madison, who was raised on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. To the delight of her friends, she continues to cook her family’s salt fish cakes. L. Malik Anderson produced this story.

Sometimes, an experience touches us in ways we never would have imagined. Over a long Memorial Day weekend, writer Ron Weber witnessed a doe mourning the loss of her fawn, causing him to reflect on the similarities and connections between humans and nature.