Raised in the Woods
Joel Kleefisch and Ellie Lawton · Civic Media
Show overview
Raised in the Woods has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 172 episodes. That works out to roughly 120 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 44 min and 46 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-US-language Sports show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 weeks ago, with 7 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 51 episodes published. Published by Civic Media.
From the publisher
Born in Waukesha, WI and making his adventuresome life in Wisconsin, Joel Kleefisch is Raised in the Woods! Join Joel and co-host Ellie Lawton weekly to hear their fresh perspective enjoying the great outdoors in the Midwest --and eating well afterwards. Joel served 14 years in the State Assembly, mingled with presidents, and has traveled the world on hunting and fishing adventures. Ellie Lawton is a lifelong Midwest farm girl whose love of the outdoors and eating what she harvests led to a career feeding the masses. As a certified award winning French Chef, hunter angler, and forager, Ellie’s grocery store is the waters and woods of the midwest!
Latest Episodes
View all 172 episodesCrane Brain
You Bunch a Turkeys
Return of the Raccoon Roasters
Today on Raised in the Woods we're recapping the fun we had at the 98th Annual Tom McNulty Memorial Coon Feed! How did it go? How record-breaking was the attendance? And most importantly; how did Chef Lawton's raccoon recipe stack up against the pros? Guests Sherri Ritz and Nick Corgiat return to tell us all about the Delafield raccoon festival in the return of the raccoon roasters on Raised in the Wooooooooooooooods! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventurous lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Ellie Lawton have truly been Raised in the Woods. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our region. From the Sleeping Bear Dunes to the Mississippi River and Lake of the Woods to Door County, Raised in the Woods has you covered! Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Nick Corgiat, Sherri Ritz
The Delafield Raccoon Festival
Today on Raised in the Woods we're traveling to the wilds of Wisconsin to investigate a fascinating local tradition. The 98th Annual Tom McNulty Memorial Coon Feed held by the American Legion Post 196 is a charitable fundraiser seeking to raise money for local youth and veteran's programs. How do they do it? You might have guessed it from the name; THEY COOK UP RACCOONS! How do they taste? Chef Ellie Lawton gives it two thumbs up. Guests Sherri Ritz and Nick Corgiat tell us all about the Delafield raccoon festival on this episode of Raised in the Wooooooooooooooods! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventurous lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Ellie Lawton have truly been Raised in the Woods. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our region. From the Sleeping Bear Dunes to the Mississippi River and Lake of the Woods to Door County, Raised in the Woods has you covered! Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Nick Corgiat, Sarah Marenes, Sherri Ritz
Go to Canada!
Today on Raised in the Woods, Joel Kleefisch is joined by his trusty co-hosts Mike Kretschmer and Sarah Marenes to talk about the fun to be had when visiting Canada. Joel recently popped in to the All-Canada Show in Milwaukee and brought back two FANTASTIC interviews with some of the presenters. The team is also joined by technical advisor Noah Morris' lovely lady Lynn to talk about her work coaching color guard here in Wisconsin. If you love the mid-west then we definitely recommend that you go to Canada sometime and check it out! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventurous lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Ellie Lawton have truly been Raised in the Woods. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our region. From the Sleeping Bear Dunes to the Mississippi River and Lake of the Woods to Door County, Raised in the Woods has you covered! Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Mike Kretschmer, Sarah Marenes
Game Wardens and Corn Hurlins
Today on Raised in the Woods hosts Joel Kleefisch and Ellie Lawton are back and ready to talk about all things woods! Former Chief Warden Todd Schaller drops by to talk about how hunters and conservation officers can get along and provides tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable time in the outdoors. New visitor Sarah Marenes joins the show to share fun stories and make Joel howl with laughter. We wrap things up with the ingredients that we can't wait to try out in 2026! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventurous lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Ellie Lawton have truly been Raised in the Woods. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our region. From the Sleeping Bear Dunes to the Mississippi River and Lake of the Woods to Door County, Raised in the Woods has you covered! Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guest: Todd Schaller
Introducing Raised in the Woods!
Welcome back to Raised in Wiscoooooooo- wait, no, that's the old show. We're super excited today because we're introducing Raised in the Woods for the first time! With Civic Media growing across the Mid West, our show is spreading its reach as well! Are we forgetting about Wisconsin? Are we too big for our home state? Heck no! We're taking the love of the outdoors that Wisconsin taught us and sharing it with our friends in Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and more! We share a region, but most importantly we share a love for all things outdoors. So welcome to the first episode of Raised in the Woods! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventurous lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Ellie Lawton have truly been Raised in the Woods. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our region. From the Sleeping Bear Dunes to the Mississippi River and Lake of the Woods to Door County, Raised in the Woods has you covered! Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Joel Kleefisch, Mike Kretschmer, Ellie Lawton
Fairman’s Farewell
It's a bittersweet episode of Raised in Wisco today as the shootin-est, huntin-est, fishin-est, kayakin-est, mountain-climbin-est, campin-est co-host Danielle Fairman says farewell to Wisco. Danielle and Joel go together like peas and carrots, and they've been broadcasting together for a long, long time, but all things must come to an end. The Wisco crew is happy to say that Danielle is moving on to bigger and better things, and while we'll miss her just as much as you listeners will, we know that she'll still be kickin' butt at whatever she sets her mind to! Join us for Fairman's farewell on Raised in Wiscoooooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Danielle Fairman, Mike Kretschmer
Holiday Gift Ideas for the Outdoors
Many of us are facing the tough decision of what to give our friends and loved ones as gifts during this holiday season. Lucky for us, Raised in Wisco is here to give tips on how to pick great outdoors-related gifts! Whether you're shopping for a seasoned outdoorsman or trying to help a friend take their first steps into Wisconsin's bountiful outdoors, Raised in Wisco has you covered! With the help of Megan Salazar and guest George Ermert, this episode is one you won't want to miss! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Megan Salazar, George Ermert
Return of the Deer Dorks
The Deer Dorks are back and better than ever! When you spot a deer in your favorite wood, who you gonna call? The Deer Dorks! Todd "No Filter" Filter, "Iron" Mike Theiler, and "Mean" Dean Sabel are here to talk all things deer with the Raised in Wisco crew. Hunting is a lot of fun, no doubt, but what about eating? Will there be eating on this episode? You bet your bottom dollar there will! Chef Ellie has a delicious recipe prepared that you're not going to want to miss! So join us for the return of the Deer Dorks on Raised in Wiscooooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Todd Filter, Dean Sabel, Mike Theiler
Deer Dorks and Danielle’s Decision
On a very special edition of Raised in Wisco we welcome on the Deer Dorks, Dean Sabel and Todd Filter, to talk hunting deer in this coooooold season in Wisconsin. Later, Raised in Wisco co-host and awesome lady Danielle Fairman makes a HUGE announcement. We wrap things up with delicious recipes from Danielle and Ellie that you aren't going to want to miss on Raised in Wiscoooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Danielle Fairman, Todd Filter
To Drone Or Not To Drone?
Today on Raised in Wisco it's time for the great debate of our times; are drones okay in hunting and if so how much? Should it stop at finding dead deer, or should it be okay to use drones to find wounded deer so hunters can finish the kill? When do drones cross from being an annoyance into taking part in hunter harassment? These are big questions and they're only getting bigger as drones become more accessible. We discuss whether to drone or not to drone and much more on today's Raised in Wiscooooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.
Droning On and On About a Legendary Deer
Today on Raised in Wisco Joel, Danielle, and Ellie are joined by drone expert, duck-caller, and deer hunter Nick Scaffidi. Nick tells a deer hunting story for the ages, risking life and love for the sake of bagging a buck listeners won't soon forget. Later, Nick breaks down how he uses his remote controlled drone to help hunters track down the deer they've hit in order to prevent waste. Finally we wrap things up with a great recipe from Chef Ellie just in time for Thanksgiving. So take a seat and get ready to be hungry as we talk drones, food, and legendary deer on Raised in Wiscoooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guest: Nick Scaffidi
Paul Don’t Fear the Deer
Today on Raised in Wisco we welcome back Chef Ellie from her nationwide food adventure, Danielle is packing heat, and special guest Paul Hausz brings his deer hunting expertise! Paul knows his deer, and Joel is eager to learn how he can finally start bagging 'em. Will Joel kill a deer? Will Ellie shake off the rust and deliver a great new recipe in her first show back? And will Megan's Lover get to talk? Find out on THIS episode of Raised in Wiscoooooooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Paul Hausz, Megan Salazar, Megan's Lover
Cook-Off with Chef Jerry Garcia!
Today we've got a good old fashioned cook-off as guest Chef Jerry Garcia and understudy in-house-chef Megan "Salad Bar" Salazar bring competing recipes to the show! Jerry and Megan are cooking, Danielle is preparing her Weekly Wisco, and Joel? Joel's in heaven as he gets to drool over twice as many recipes as usual on Raised in Wiscoooooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guest: Jerry Garcia
Megan’s Muskie and Coggen’s Carp
Today on Raised in Wisco we're joined by an all-star panel of Megan "Salad Bar" Salazar and Carp hunter Eric Coggen! We're talking about fishing, shooting, and you bet your bottom dollar that we're gonna talk eating! Eric hunts invasive carp, and leave it to Joel to find a way to make eating them taste so, so good! We've got Megan's Muskie and Coggen's carp, and stick around for our recipes at the end of the show on Raised in Wiscooooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Megan Salazar, Eric Coggen
A Great Deer Hunt
Today on Raised in Wisco we are joined by younger hunter Cal Haataja. The son of a legendary Wisconsin outdoorsman, Cal joins us after knocking down an ABSOLUTE bruiser of a deer in his Weekly Wisco! Other topics include deer rut starting, where are the birds? And the long anticipated cool weather finally coming to Wisconsin. Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guest: Cal Haataja
An Amazing Hunt with Kenia
Today on Raised in Wisco we're joined by Kenia Link to talk about the amazing hunt that she just completed! Traveling outside of Wisco, Kenia made her way along the Snake River in Idaho, risking life and limb along perilous cliffs and trekking across miles of rough terrain. Why? To hunt the legendary Big Horn Sheep! Hear the TRUE story here on Raised in Wiscoooooo! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guest: Kenia Link
Sommelier Pirates of the Caribbean
We've got a real treat for you all today as we're joined by Megan the Web Czar Salad Bar Salazar the Sommelier Pirate. Now that fall is truly kicking off, Raised in Wisco is here to talk about our favorite drinks and how to pair them with wild game! And with the hunting season kicking off, what better time to get ready for eating?! Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guest: Megan Salazar
Let Them Eat Crane
On Raised in Wisco we talked before about the importance of killing and eating the Sandhill Crane on this previous episode. Today we're joined by Brad Heidel, the new Executive Director of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, to talk more about it. Also, we talk about our Weekly Wiscos and yummy foods to eat. People want it, so let them eat crane! Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC. Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guest: Brad Heidel