Door County Pulse Podcast

Newport State Park is the only dark-sky designated park in Wisconsin, but if light pollution continues to grow in the surrounding area, it may be hard to keep it that way. Debra Fitzgerald joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to discuss recent efforts to stop light pollution from encroaching on the park in northern Door County, and what individual property owners can do to help. Plus, they discuss why a bill was needed to stop people from throwing batteries in the trash, and why the city of Sturgeon Bay did not renew a contract with a security camera company.

The Door County Maritime Museum is celebrating a record-breaking year with a free community appreciation day and celebration on Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4. Sam Perlman joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about the growth of the museum and the hidden treasures available to explore within its walls this weekend and beyond.

Winter Storm Elsa was a historic experience for Door County residents this week, dropping 2-3-plus feet of snow on the peninsula. Debra Fitzgerald and Myles Dannhausen Jr. discuss how it hit residents and how the county responded – and how we're still digging out of the mess.

Artificial Intelligence is changing the world in ways that seemed unthinkable to most of us just a few years ago. With each week the advancements appear to be changing new aspects of our lives. To discuss the rapid advancement, Myles Dannhausen Jr. talks to Prof. Thomas Baer of Stanford University, who will be leading a seminar series at Björklunden about AI and its implications in June. They discuss its growing impact on programming, health care, the workplace and creative pursuits. They also discuss its role in the Iran War and the growing ethical concerns about its use in warfare and the resources it consumes. ,

Jason Estes joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about life in the kitchen at Sonny's Pizzeria in Sturgeon Bay as they near their 30th year in business. They talk about Jason's path to the kitchen, opening a brewery, go-to pizzas and why deep dish isn't the Chicago staple most think.

Debra Fitzgerald talks with Vanessa McGowan, the New Zealand-born, classically trained bassist, band leader, and music-industry veteran whose career spans over two decades. A Baileys Harbor resident since 2020 via Nashville, Vanessa shares stories from her extensive touring experience, including working with Grammy-winning artists like Sugarland, Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Clark, and currently leading the band for multi-Grammy-winning Molly Tuttle. She also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at life as both musician and manager – on stage, on TV shows, on the tour bus, and reflecting on lessons learned since first landing in Nashville. Photo by Eli Spotts.

Painter Ram Rojas joins Debra Fitzgerald for a conversation about his journey from Venezuela to Door County, his classical training around the world, and the people and landscapes that have shaped his work. He reflects on what decades of painting have taught him about place, memory and community – from his studio practice in Ellison Bay to the public murals he's created across the peninsula, including the former Nelson True Value mural in Baileys Harbor, as well as works at The Clearing and the Door Community Auditorium.