The Mike Nowak Show

Latest Episodes:

Is a Parking Lot More Valuable Than a Prairie? Oct 24, 2021

Show notes

Time is running out for Bell Bowl Prairie at Chicago Rockford International Airport. Kerry Leigh from the Natural Land Institute, landscape designer Domenico D'Alessandro, and Jen Kuroda from Sinnissippi Audubon talk about how--and if--the prairie can be saved. Kim Hankins previews the McHenry County College Green Living Expo on November 6.

I Know What You Did in the Garden this Year Oct 17, 2021

Show notes

Mike and Peggy welcome gardeners representing three gardens that were recognized by the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards' 2021 60-Second Garden Video Challenge. They also update the #SaveBellBowlPrairie situation. Meteorologist Rick DiMaio previews a La Nina-influence winter.

Of Sound Mind, Learning and Feeling Oct 09, 2021

Show notes

Nina Kraus, PhD, is director of the Brainvolts Lab at Northwestern University. She joins us today to discuss her decades of work exploring hearing and the brain. That research has led to her new book, "Of Sound Mind: How Our Brain Constructs a Meaningful Sonic World."

Can One Bee Rescue a Valuable Remnant Prairie? Oct 03, 2021

Show notes

An expansion at Chicago Rockford International Airport threatens a valued prairie remnant. Thanks to the sighting of an endangered rusty patched bumble bee, the construction is on hold...for the moment. We talk to Kerry Leigh from the Natural Land Institute and naturalist/artist Robb Telfer about what this means for natural areas across the state. Bob Benenson from Local Food Forum returns to preview the remainder of the farmers market season.

Creating New Lives for Rescued Farm Animals Sep 25, 2021

Show notes

Katie Parker from Tamerlaine Sanctuary and Preserve in New Jersey, and Erin Yanz of Erin's Farm in Hobart, Indiana give virtual tours of the lands on which they give abused and neglected farm animals a chance for a future.

Are You Ready for Some Illinois Fun? Sep 19, 2021

Show notes

Mike and Peggy travel Illinois to talk about farming, pumpkins, chickens, music festivals and beer. Guests are Jeff Hake from FarmFED Co-op, Jennifer Murtoff of the 11th Annual Windy City Coop Tour, and Katie Troccoli, Christina Eltrevoog and Tom Gaffney from the WRWO 94.5 FM "Fresh from the Midwest" music festival.

Melinda Myers Reveals Fall Gardening Secrets Sep 11, 2021

Show notes

Who could have known that autumn would follow summer? Gardening expert Melinda Myers, that's who! She brings a wealth of fall gardening tips to the show. Katherine Tellock is launching the Guerrilla Recycling Project and she needs volunteers. Rev. Brian Sauder from Faith in Place previews their annual Green Team Summit.

Last Chance for a Clean Energy Deal in Illinois? Aug 28, 2021

Show notes

The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to return to Springfield this week for a special session. Will they finally pass a clean energy bill for the state? Or will there be more roadblocks? J.C. Kibbey from the NRDC, Lisa Albrecht from All Bright Solar, and Dave Kraft from the Nuclear Energy Information Service discuss the prospects for real energy progress in our state.

A Bad Week for Chicago’s Public Parks Aug 21, 2021

Show notes

It was a bad week for the Chicago Park District and transparency in government. Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, reports on several pressing issues that affect the future of Chicago's Parks. Marianne Willburn talks about her new book, "Tropical Plants and How to Love Them."

On the Road at The Growing Place Aug 07, 2021

Show notes

The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki is on the road (again) after two years. Today we're streaming live from The Growing Place in Aurora, Illinois. We'll talk hydrangeas with Michael Massat, and Skeet from Bartlett Tree Experts will look at the trees on site and offer tree care advice.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected