
The Larry Meiller Show from Wisconsin Public Radio
88 episodes — Page 2 of 2

Insect update; Prescribing fire for ecosystem health; Visit Cedarburg Bog, the largest wetland in southern Wisconsin
First, entomologist PJ Liesch returns to answer your questions about bugs and give an update about emerald ash borer in Wisconsin. Then, we talk about prescribed burns with Jeb Barzen and Kristina Weld of the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council. Finally, we visit Cedarburg Bog and the Saukville Field Station with senior manager Paul Engevold.

Tax deadline looms, and affordable housing sought
With less than a month to file our tax returns, we get advice from a professional tax preparer. Then, we learn how a state agency is helping get more affordable housing built.

Physical therapists answer your questions; Meet the Madisonian breaking down financial barriers in youth soccer
Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about solutions for knee and hip osteoarthritis. Then, we talk with soccer coach Ashante “Ziggy” Odogun about the Zinovae Foundation, which offers financial support for youth soccer programs.

Garden Talk: How to get a great vegetable harvest no matter your circumstances; Grilling garlic and other veggies
Nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about how to get the best out of your garden. Then Wisconsin grillers Mad Dog and Merrill join in with tips on how to grill vegetables.

Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, and wind power in Wisconsin
There is a head-spinning array of home improvement options for kitchens and bathrooms. We’ll get advice from two experts. Then, we’ll talk about generating electricity from the wind in Wisconsin.

The latest on renewing Knowles-Nelson; Sustaining an eco-friendly diet; Canoecopia 2026 launches
First, we unearth the latest on the efforts to renew Wisconsin’s largest conservation program. Then we share the recipe for switching to an eco-friendly diet. Finally, we dive into the upcoming Canoecopia show with its owner and operator Darren Bush.

How to lose weight and protect your heart; and wider public health efforts Wisconsin seeks to join
Demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is high, even without many people knowing they lower their risk for heart disease. Then, we talk to Dr. Zorba Paster about the health initiatives Wisconsin seeks to join.

Tech update, History of The Onion
We talk about improving your home’s Wi-Fi with tech expert Jesse La Grew. Then, we talk about “good fake news” with the editor of The Onion and the author of a book about the history of the satirical media company.

Garden Talk: Tired of doomscrolling? Try bloomscrolling; Growing and using herbs
As spring nears it’s time to think of blooming plants. Mark Dwyer is back to take us to the best digital sites for inspiration. Then we take a look at a book on edible and medicinal herbs.

Lemon law litigation, and consumer protection from scams
A legal specialist in Wisconsin’s Lemon Law, Susan Grzeskowiak tells how she defends buyers of defective motor vehicles. Then, we visit again with Michelle Reinen, administrator of DATCP’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection.

Wildlife Wednesday: Springtime behaviors of coyotes, foxes and other wild animals
Regular guests and wildlife specialists Jamie Nack and David Drake are back to tell us about the return of migratory birds, coyotes in towns and cities, research on foxes and more. They also answer your questions about wild animal sightings and behavior.

Upper Mississippi River news: A ferry freezes, a bridge falls, and birds flourish
Life along the upper Mississippi River is the focus of Big River magazine. And the new March/April issue includes fascinating stories about a frozen ferry, demolition of a bridge, and the history of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. Editor and Publisher Reggie McLeod joins us.

‘Six Seasons of Pasta: A New Way with Everyone’s Favorite Food’
Noodles, water, salt — these are the building blocks of a pasta dish. In “Six Seasons of Pasta,” Joshua McFadden takes these simple ingredients and adds both beloved and unexpected flavors. He pairs pasta with in-season produce. We get Joshua’s tips for skills like boiling noodles and simmering sauce.

Garden Talk: Accessing your garden for winter damage
You never know what you’ll find when the snow melts and temps start to climb. We talk with Diana Alfuth about how to deal with those surprises.

Stories only in ‘Our Wisconsin’ magazine
What does lighthouse keeping, North America’s largest cross-country ski race, and the last known photo taken of rocker Buddy Holly have in common? Wisconsin. And stories about all this and more are included in the new issue of “Our Wisconsin” magazine. Editor Mike Beno joins us.

Winter birding with naturalist Bill Volkert
Birds are such a wonder to observe all year long. Bill Volkert returns to answer your birding questions and talk about his latest travels.

Keeping dogs from getting bored and destructive
Bored dogs can misbehave. This can happen especially in winter, when playtime outside is less frequent. We’ll talk to dog trainer Jorge Melara about how to keep your dog mentally stimulated even when cooped up indoors.

Honey bees and their social behavior, Weather Guys return to talk about Wisconsin’s false spring and more
First, we talk with Marquette professor Chelsea Cook about her research on honey bees, beekeeping and her work in the community. Then, Weather Guys Steve Ackerman and Jon Martin return to answer your questions about meteorology.

Garden Talk: Therapeutic horticulture; So you want to build a rain garden
First we talk with a UW Extension horticulture educator about all the ways gardening is good for you. Then we look into how and why to add a rain garden to your landscape.

Book tells of life in Nazi Germany, what German immigrants brought to Wisconsin, and research into natural food dyes
New book tells the story of a young German woman’s life growing up under Hitler’s grip. Then, we talk about German immigration to Wisconsin. And then we learn how natural pigments could replace artificial colors in our food.

Bacteria in your life, Reducing plastic waste
First, UW-Madison bacteriology professor Timothy Paustian joins us to take us into the tiny, but mighty, world of bacteria. Then, Kitty Pityer and Philothea Bezin of Viroqua Plastic Free share how they’re helping the community cut back on plastic.

Paying taxes, and a debut novel from dog expert Patricia McConnell
Tax season is underway, and we get advice on filing tax returns by the April 15 deadline. Then we talk to Patricia McConnell, known for her dog training books, about her first dog-centric novel.

Physical therapy, StrongBodies exercise program
Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, plus recovering from ACL injuries. Then, we talk about a strength training program for middle-aged to older adults with Jen Whitty.

Garden Talk: Live from the Garden & Green Living Expo
Larry Meiller takes "Garden Talk" on the road to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison for a live show from the 2026 Garden & Green Living Expo. Larry is joined by Lisa Johnson and Brian Hudelson.

Shore up your foundation, then finish the basement; and get flood insurance before the waters rise
We talk about the importance of a good foundation. And the best flooring and basement renovation options. Then, we discuss the value of flood insurance.

Ecology of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, Microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes, A closer look at groundhogs
First, we talk about the Lower Wisconsin Riverway with a focus on the birds and fish that live there. Then, Lorena Rios Mendoza of UW-Superior joins us to talk about her research on microplastics in the Great Lakes. Finally, UW-Stevens Point professor Chris Yahnke tells us more about groundhogs.

Adopting an Olympian mindset, health care students take improv, and latest pancreatic cancer research
A psychologist says we would do well to think like Olympic athletes. Then, an improv class teaches health care students listening skills. Then, we talk to a UW physician-scientist about pancreatic cancer.

Technology update, How to cut back on screen time, Tech, textiles and sports
Tech expert Beth D’Angelo returns to answer your cybersecurity questions and talk about artificial intelligence and more. Then, we focus on technology overuse and how you can cut back on screen time with Melissa Westendorf, a clinical and forensic psychologist. Finally, Lucy Dunne shares how clothing and technology are coming together in sportswear.

Garden Talk: The Mitchell Park Domes; Diversifying how we grow and eat
We discuss the past, present and future of Milwaukee’s iconic conservatory. We also talk with the editors of a new book on the promise of perennial foods.

Rising and ranked consumer complaints, and advice for student loan borrowers
Consumer complaints are counted and categorized by the state’s consumer protection office. Then, we talk to an advocate for student loan borrowers who find himself in default for nonpayment and at risk of having their wages garnished.

Wildlife Wednesday, Municipal court rules on public access to Lake Michigan shoreline
Scott Craven, emeritus professor and UW Extension wildlife ecologist, joins us for another Wildlife Wednesday. Then, we cover a debate about public beach access along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Our guest is Paul Florsheim, a professor emeritus at the Zilber College of Public Health at UW-Milwaukee.

Live longer with purpose; farmer and aid worker writes memoir; and changes to federal alcohol guidelines
A purpose-driven life is good for your health. Then, a Wisconsin farmer and world traveler writes his life story for a grandchild. Then, we consider the changes to federal alcohol consumption recommendations.

Home cooking for Valentines Day and beyond, How to have fun with fermentation
Chefs Luke Zahm and Patrick O’Halloran share some of their most romantic dishes for the month of February, whether you’re cooking for one or many people. Then, we get an introductory course on fermentation from author and fermentation revivalist Sandor Ellix Katz.

Garden Talk: It’s the year of the hot pepper; Growing orchids isn’t that hard
We take a look at the National Garden Bureau’s plants of the year selections, including hot peppers. In the last hour of the show we catch up with orchid expert, Chuck Acker and talk about the upcoming Orchid Quest show.

Mayor writes book about 2020 strife in Wauwatosa; increased state rebates for solar panels; and whole milk in schools
Dennis McBride talks about his turbulent tenure as mayor of Wauwatosa since 2020. Then, financial help shifts from federal to state for solar panel projects. Then, we learn about the health or harm of schools serving whole milk under a new federal law.

Sustainability in healthcare, Ice fishing update, Reducing food waste in Wisconsin
We talk about climate change’s impact on our health, and how hospitals in Wisconsin are working to be more sustainable. Then, we discuss ice fishing with Captain Barb Carey. Finally, we take a look at food waste in Wisconsin with the DNR’s Casey Krausensky.

Winter dangers for dogs, and a Wisconsin biathlete in Italy for the Winter Olympics
We learn how to protect our dogs from extremely cold temperatures. Then, we talk to an Appleton native and his college coach about his chances for a medal in biathlon at the winter Olympics next month.

Packers season in review; more events at Lambeau Field; the Weather Guys look back at 2025
We’ll talk to Packers columnist Pete Dougherty about the disappointing end to the team’s 2025 season. Then we look at the increasing use of Lambeau Field for non-Packer events, and finally, the Weather Guys visit to discuss Wisconsin’s eventful year in weather.