The Larry Meiller Show

Garden Talk: Design trends for 2025; Growing potatoes; Healthy Soil Feb 21, 2025

Like clothing and furnishings, gardens change over time. We talk about current trends and how they can fit into your landscape. Then we talk with a professor and extension educator about growing potatoes. In the last half hour we focus on the importance of good soil.

“The Snowbirds,” Checking in on Wisconsin’s dairy industry Feb 20, 2025

It’s our first book club meeting of the year, and we welcome Wisconsin author Christina Clancy as she tells us about her novel “The Snowbirds.” Then, we talk about the dairy industry and its economic impact with Ben Miller of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Mark Crave, a dairy farmer.

Northern Wisconsin State Parks, and Canoecopia in Madison Feb 19, 2025

We talk about what awaits visitors of state parks and forests in northern Wisconsin. Then, we hear plans for Canoecopia, the large, annual paddlesports expo, set for March 7-9 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

Answering your tax questions, Finding financial support for cancer patients Feb 18, 2025

First, tax professional and regular guest Mary Mellem is back to answer all of your tax questions ahead of the April 15 deadline. Then, we talk about financial resources for cancer patients with Amy Kralicek of the American Cancer Society and Isaac Sher, a brain cancer survivor.

Resistance training benefits older adults; Improving public health messaging in central Wisconsin Feb 17, 2025

A new study says heavy resistance training provides lasting health benefits for older adults. Then, we learn about efforts to more effectively alert minority groups in rural Wisconsin about well water pollution and fish consumption advisories.

Garden Talk: A new guide to perennials; Unusual houseplants Feb 14, 2025

The American Horticultural Society has a new perennial guide out and we look at selecting plants, using them in your landscape and how to get more blooms. In the second hour we talk about some of the newest houseplant offerings and answer questions about the care of indoor plants.

Home improvement: Energy efficiency and your home’s exterior, Concrete for driveways Feb 13, 2025

Wisconsin registered home inspector John Freiburger is back to share how you can make your home more energy efficient by improving its exterior. Then, we cover what you need to know about caring for concrete with James Ruston of Wingra Redi-Mix.

Sturgeon spearing season, Alaskan salmon and Wisconsin’s wetlands Feb 12, 2025

We get a report on the sturgeon spearing season now underway. Then, we talk to a Wisconsin fisherman who brings wild sockeye salmon home from Alaska. Then, we hear a USFS fisheries biologist and a Wisconsin wetlands advocate preview the Wetlands Science Conference in La Crosse, Feb. 25-27.

Health: Answering colonoscopy questions, Latest in whole eye transplant research Feb 11, 2025

We talk about gastrointestinal health with Dr. Nadim Salfiti, plus the importance of colonoscopies. Then, we catch up with two UW-Madison researchers, Dr. David Gamm and Dr. Robert Nickells, who tell us about their research on whole eye transplantation.

Tech update tackles DOGE, DeepSeek; and fitness trackers evaluated Feb 10, 2025

How safe is the personal information of millions of Americans while the computer systems of federal agencies are accessed by an outside team looking for waste and fraud? Then, we ask if personal devices purporting to track our fitness actually work.

Garden Talk: Live from the Garden & Green Living Expo Feb 07, 2025

Larry Meiller takes "Garden Talk" on the road to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison for a live show from the 2025 Garden & Green Living Expo. Larry is joined by Amanda Balistreri, Lisa Johnson, and Brian Hudelson.

Landlord-tenant issues and telemarketers among the top complaints received by DATCP in 2024, Septic system maintenance Feb 06, 2025

Michelle Reinen and Michael Domke of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection join us again to talk about the most common complaints their department received last year. Then, we talk about how to maintain your septic system with Matthew Janzen of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Wisconsin wildlife update; UW-Superior makes plans for research vessel Feb 05, 2025

Birds, bats, deer and other wildlife discussed by UW-Extension wildlife specialist David Drake and Jamie Nash. Then, we hear how a state-of-the-art boat will aid research on Lake Superior.

Prepare for Valentine’s Day: How chocolates are made, What to know when buying jewelry, A closer look at the floral industry Feb 04, 2025

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we talk about three fixtures of the holiday: chocolate, jewelry and flowers. First, we talk to Spooner chocolatier Daniel Herskovic. Then, we are joined by Katherine Bodoh and Wade Abel of the American Gem Society. Finally, Brillion florist Tami Gasch rounds out the program.

Employees need to know their rights; and Ghost Ships Festival heads to Manitowoc Feb 03, 2025

The search for shipwrecks in the Great Lakes will bring interested parties to Manitowoc this month. Them we talk to a labor and employment attorney about DEI programs and the “deferred resignations” offered to federal workers.

Garden Talk: National Garden Bureau award winning plants; Straw bale gardening; Growing ferns Jan 31, 2025

We have a wide variety of topics on this episode of Garden Talk. First we take a look at the 2025 Green Thumb award winning plants, then we talk to the father of straw bale gardening, Joel Karsten, and finally a close up look at growing ferns.

Clean home design, Radon testing, Preventing serious respiratory illness Jan 30, 2025

We cover taking care of your lungs and breathing healthy air. We talk about reducing the amount of allergens in your home through design with Robin Wilson. Then, we cover radon testing with Michelle Schwoch. Finally, Dr. Jonathan Temte of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health talks about avoiding serious respiratory illness.

Authors talk about women physicists who fled Nazi Germany, natural wonders along the Mississippi River Jan 29, 2025

We talk to Olivia Campbell, author of “Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History.” Then, Dean Klinkenberg shares insights from his book, “The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders.”

Pet care: How to help your sick doggo, All about small exotics Jan 28, 2025

Veterinarian and regular guest Dr. Bill Stork returns to cover what to do if your dog catches a cold. Then, we talk about taking care of small exotic mammals like rabbits, hedgehogs and ferrets with Dr. Jennifer Boonstra, a veterinarian from Cambridge.

Recommitting to new year’s resolutions, and the impact of climate change on the Great Lakes Jan 27, 2025

Many of us set personal goals for 2025; let’s not give up on them so soon. Author and UW-Madison professor Christine Whelan has advice on how to stay the course. Then, the Weather Guys return to talk about climate change on the Great Lakes and answer your weather-related questions.

Garden Talk: Everything’s coming up orchids! Jan 24, 2025

Our first guest talks about the seasonal Orchid Escape display at Olbrich Gardens. And then our second guest gives us a sneak peak of the upcoming Orchid Quest show and helps answer your orchid questions.

Packers season in review; author reveals beauty of Great Lakes in historical memoir Jan 23, 2025

After an 11-6 record, we ask Packers columnist Pete Dougherty why the 2024 Packers season feels disappointing. Then, author Jerry Dennis talks about his 20th anniverary edition of his book “The Living Great Lakes.”

Reducing use of salt in winter; Wisconsin filmmaker brothers share love of farming, Packers Jan 22, 2025

We talk with Shannon Haydin and Allison Madison about reducing the use of salt in winter. Then Anders and Davin Lindwall join us for a conversation about their new film “Green and Gold.”

Time for 2024 taxes, Get your well water tested Jan 21, 2025

As tax season draws near, we talk with Mary Mellem of Ashwaubenon Tax Professionals about what you need to know ahead of filing your taxes. Then, Marty Nessman of the Wisconsin DNR explains why it’s important to regularly test your well water.

Garden Talk: Color for all seasons; The impact of winter weather on trees; What lights work best for growing inside Jan 17, 2025

We take a look at design elements and plants that add winter interest. Then we’ll check in with DNR Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan and end the show with a lesson on growing plants indoors.

Traveling to Ireland, Theater premiering in Wisconsin Jan 16, 2025

We cover what you need to know if you’re planning to vacation in Ireland. Glenn Schmidt, a travel writer, is our guest. Then, we talk about theater arts in Wisconsin with artistic directors Jen Uphoff Gray and Mark Clements. We also hear about “The Craic,” which is premiering at the Milwaukee Rep.

Celebrating Wisconsin state parks and bald eagles in Sauk Prairie Jan 15, 2025

Three former and current Wisconsin state park supervisors talk about what can be found in the Driftless Area. Then, we talk about Sauk Prairie Bald Eagle Watching Days, Jan. 18-19.

Improve your health in the new year with optimism, informed alcohol use and synced circadian rhythms Jan 14, 2025

First, we talk with psychologist Dr. Shilagh Mirgain about adopting an optimistic mindset in winter. Then, it’s Maureen Busalacchi of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Projects on the impact of alcohol on your body. Finally, author Lynne Peeples shares what she learned while writing “The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms.”

Online privacy protection tips, and hearing aid enhancements Jan 13, 2025

While Meta and TikTok face uncertainty, Americans seek personal data security. Then we learn about the latest in hearing aids from an audiologist.

Garden Talk: Gardening can be murder; Caring for succulents Jan 10, 2025

In the doldrums of winter we talk to the author of a new book that explores how mystery writers have used gardening in their books. And then we talk with an expert about growing succulents.

This year’s home remodeling trends, Adding a sauna to your home Jan 09, 2025

We talk about home improvement with design and building professionals Chad Speight and Tony Trapp. Then, how to create your home sauna with the owner of Viroqua’s Soulful Saunas.

Gov. Evers appoints a DNR Secretary; Operation Fresh Start trains next gen conservation workers Jan 08, 2025

Scott Craven helps us understand a lot of news coming out of the Wisconsin DNR. Then two Operation Fresh Start officials explain what the organization’s Conservation Academy is training young people to do.

‘Extra! Extra! Eat All About It!’ explores Wisconsin food history, Life coach shares friendship advice for adults Jan 07, 2025

We talk with Jane Conway and Randi Julia Ramsden about their book “Extra! Extra! Eat All About It! Recipes and Culinary Curiosities from Historic Wisconsin Newspapers.” Then, life coach Josh Maudrie joins us to talk about making and keeping friends later in life.

Lack of cannabis laws hurts industry; and the Raging Grannies deliver protest songs Jan 06, 2025

Wisconsin cannabis advocates make the case for regulating pot. Then, three members of the Raging Grannies share in song form their opposition to war, erosion of women’s rights and climate change denial.

Garden Talk: Plant disease limericks; State seed producer; Growing lavender in Wisconsin Jan 03, 2025

First Brian Hudelson talks about his fanciful book of limericks based on common and uncommon plant diseases. Then we talk with Clint Freund about his seed business. And finally we learn how to grow lavender in Wisconsin with Kathy and Randy Meyer of Potter Creek Lavender.

Winter birding and how to travel the world to see new species Jan 02, 2025

Beloved naturalist Bill Volkert returns to talk about what the neighborhood birds are up to this winter. Bill also shares his recent travels, and gives his advice for trips if you want to sight species in new and exciting locations.

Global and local climate challenges and what’s being done to meet them Jan 01, 2025

CNN’s chief climate correspondent and two state advocates for wetlands join us to discuss how to protect water resources at home and beyond.

Learning later in life; Becoming a substitute teacher Dec 31, 2024

First, we talk about opportunities to keep learning as an adult from Steve Frye, Angela Kelber, and Sarah Grammer. Then, a focus on the role substitute teachers play in our school districts with guests Jennifer Kammerud, Diane Schultz, and Stephen Montagna.

Noise pollution and ageism in healthcare Dec 30, 2024

First, pediatrician Dr. Beth Neary and wildlife rehabilitator Amanda Schirmer explain the toll of noise pollution on humans and animals. Then we talk about age discrimination in the healthcare system with social work scholar Andrew Steward.

Garden Talk: Elevate your soil with wool; Heirloom apples Dec 27, 2024

We talk with two Wisconsin entrepreneurs about improving your soil with the use of pellets made from locally sourced wool. Then we talk with an expert on heirloom apple varieties.

In the home: Learning about electrical projects & Caribbean cooking Dec 26, 2024

On today's show we go from your home's power grid to your home's kitchen: First we cover what to know about revamping your home’s electrical system with Adam Gullickson and Chad Speight. Then we talk about a cookbook called “Belly Full"with author Lesley Enston.

The latest in eye health; How one woman helped her friend by donating a kidney Dec 25, 2024

First, Dr. David Gamm joins us to tell us about the latest research in eye health. Then, we learn more about organ donation from surgeon Dr. Ty Dunn, kidney donor Deb Kness and kidney transplant recipient Jeff Kaul.

New versions of classic Christmas tunes, Santa at the studio Dec 24, 2024

First, we hear newer recordings of familiar Christmas songs. Author and podcast host Tom Wilmeth returns to take us through the years. At noon, it’s a special visit from Santa and an elf named Jingle. They will be ready to hear what Wisconsin’s kids want for Christmas at the number 800-642-1234 or email talk@wpr.org.

Tax season prep, and learning adult skills Dec 23, 2024

The deadline to pay 2024 taxes isn’t until April, but preparation begins now. Then, we talk about the life skills many of us may wish we were taught as a teenager.

Garden Talk: How to take care of your holiday plants; Growing your own tea – inside Dec 20, 2024

Short days and long nights call for cheery plants and hot cups of tea. Tovah Martin is back to talk about caring for holiday plants and we talk to tea expert Christine Parks about growing your own tea plant.

WPR staff suggests books Dec 19, 2024

On a special edition of our Book Club series, we hear book recommendations from our fellow colleagues at WPR, like Kate Archer Kent and Rob Ferrett. And we’ll release our selections for our 2025 Book Club.

Sandhill crane committee supports hunting, and solar farms can accommodate crops Dec 18, 2024

A legislative committee votes to allow a sandhill crane hunt and help for farmers seeing crane-crop damage. Then, agrivoltaic research finds ways for agriculture and solar farms to converge.

Where to go in Wisconsin this winter, Walks to take in Milwaukee’s historic neighborhoods Dec 17, 2024

First, Anne Sayers, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, joins to share her list of the top festivals and places to go in the state this winter. Then, author Cari Taylor-Carlson talks about her new book “Milwaukee Walks: An Insider’s Guide to 35 Historic Neighborhood Walks and Hidden Hikes.”

Physical therapy: Finding relief from neck pain Dec 16, 2024

Neck pain is a common and often debilitating issue, leading to headaches and sleepless nights for sufferers. Causes range from traumatic injury to anxiety, and treatments differ accordingly.

Garden Talk: 2024 gifts for gardeners Dec 13, 2024

We talk with gardening expert Lis Friemoth about her Twelve Days of Gifting list. It includes things to make gardening easier and things to make you feel as pampered as your garden.

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