Wisconsin Life
Wisconsin Life is a storytelling podcast from Wisconsin Public Radio that celebrates the people, places, history and culture of the state. Each short episode takes listeners across Wisconsin, from kayaking the Mississippi River to interviewing musicians in Milwaukee and baking pasties in Rhinelander. The show connects audiences with diverse people and ideas through brief, personal stories. New episodes are published about twice a week.
Episodes
The Time I (Almost) Caught A Brewers Home Run
Well sports fans, they did it! The Brewers are advancing to the National League Championship Series…meaning they’re a step closer to the World Series. The last time the Brew Crew […]
Wisconsin’s first certified forest bathing trail helps residents reset and find balance
The Japanese wellness practice 'Shinrin-yoku' has been shown to reduce stress and provide other health benefits
‘Farming with flair’: Tractor ballet turns hay baling into art
Local farmers perform in the 'Hay Rake Ballet'
For Wisconsin ‘citizen scientists,’ searching for shipwrecks is its own treasure
Wisconsin's Underwater Archeology Association found a long-lost ship in 2025. In 2026, members wanted to see if they could do it again.
Prost! Milwaukee’s public beer gardens are a summer staple
What began as an experiment is now a major draw for Milwaukee County Parks
In this new Wisconsin play, ‘The Lonely Marsh’ is the main character
Appleton-based artist and musician channeled Aldo Leopold to tell a more uplifting story — with puppets — about our relationship with wetlands
My promise to August: Reflections on living in the moment
Wellness books and self-care social media accounts often stress the importance of “living in the moment.” But, what if you’re just not that into the current moment? How do you […]
‘There is a rhythm, there is a flow’: Writer Kevin Henkes on what makes a good children’s book
The Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator lives in Madison
Women behind the bar: A brief history of Wisconsin’s bartenders
Wisconsin has one of the highest concentrations of bartenders in the country, employing more than 24,000 bartenders. A good percentage of them are women. But as writer Patti See tells us, […]
‘What I felt there was free’: Black-founded resort community celebrates 100-year history
Lake Ivanhoe received a historical marker in 2022
How a tiny Wisconsin village went viral nearly 60 years ago
The history of one of Wisconsin's most niche holidays, Winneconne's Sovereign State Days festival
Quiotepec en Wisconsin brings Oaxacan basketball fever to the Midwest
Players from across the Midwest come together for an annual tournament honoring their roots in Oaxaca, Mexico
Wisconsin wasn’t a state in 1776. What did life look like here 250 years ago?
Historian discusses Wisconsin tribes and their role in the American Revolution
‘Abigail and John: the First Couple of the United States’ puts the second president in the spotlight
Local playwright uses historical letters to tell founding father's story
Wrapping up Concerts on The Square with ‘Home to Madison,’ just off Highway 51
Picture this: you’re sitting on a blanket on the Capitol Lawn in Madison. It’s a warm summer evening, and you’re listening to beautiful classical music. You’re feeling very fancy, sipping […]
‘Drink in summer sweetness while you can’: Reflections on the solstice
Wisconsin writer on the season's simple joys
‘The Draw of the North’: Searching for loons on Tomahawk Lake
Wisconsin writer reflects on a summer family trip to the Northwoods
‘Creating Music, Creating Community’: The gift of performing with others
Wisconsin writer and retired music teacher reflects on playing music with friends and neighbors
New citizens feel responsibility and freedom after taking oath of citizenship
40 of this country’s newest citizens became naturalized at March ceremony in Madison
‘Creatures of Habit’: Finding wonder in nature
Wisconsin writer reflects on observing the outdoors
How to be beautiful: A lesson from mom
Many of us are grateful for everything our mothers taught us. For Jana Rose Schleis, she’s thankful that her mom — Betty Schleis of Two Creeks, Wisconsin — taught her […]
‘All I have to do is dream’: Remembering iconic songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant
Wisconsin isn’t typically thought of as being at the heart of country music, but did you know that half of one of country’s greatest songwriting duos is from Milwaukee? As […]
Janesville’s Cozy Inn becomes America’s longest-operating Chinese restaurant
The Fong family has owned the 104-year-old institution since the 1970s
Lessons from an old tractor
A Wisconsin author reflects on spring planting
‘The fastest girl drummer in the world’: Celebrating Wisconsin’s Viola Smith
Drummer Viola Smith was a musical trailblazer and innovator. Known as “the fastest girl drummer in the world,” her career lasted almost 100 years. Author Dean Robbins took a trip […]
