Shows / The Lee Rayburn Show
The Lee Rayburn Show
WPR's weekday call-in show, continuing the trusted tradition of Larry Meiller. Host Lee Rayburn talks with expert guests and listeners about the outdoors, technology, books, home improvement, consumer issues, and more — practical advice and real conversations to help you make the most of everyday life.
Episodes
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe prospect for more passenger rail in Wisconsin; satellite tracking of pollution; and the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin
Wisconsin may be closer than ever to expanding passenger rail service. Then, a UW-Madison researcher explains how she tracks air pollution using data from a…
The Lee Rayburn ShowMeet 2 election clerks; Wisconsin’s spookiest stories; Cryptozoologist explores the unknown
Get to know two election clerks and their processes for keeping voting safe and secure. Then: Wisconsin has a rich tradition of horror stories and spooky…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWhat makes Halloween scary for pet owners; Supporting abuse survivors by caring for their pets; Shortage of rural vets
Veterinarian Bill Stork offers advice on how we can help our dogs acclimate to winter. Then, Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims supports survivors by caring…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe connection between science and politics; Midwest Mujeres and the power of storytelling; Weather Guys return
Bassam Shakhashiri returns to talk about how science and politics are related, ahead of next month’s election. Then, two members of Midwest Mujeres tell us…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHow GPS shapes our modern world; Ask an electrician
First, we talk with Katherine Dunn about her latest book “Little Blue Dot: How the Global Positioning System Shaped the Modern World.” Then, we’ll talk about…
The Lee Rayburn ShowInsect update with PJ Liesch; Changing perception of wolves in human history; Wisconsin’s wolves
First, entomologist PJ Liesch is back to talk about cockroaches and answer your insect questions. Scholar Renée Worringer traces the dramatic shifts in how…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHigh-tech price gouging; saving gas through hypermiling; and a film documenting the restoration of a WWII submarine
We talk about how consumers are paying more for almost everything through high-tech price manipulation. Then, we talk to an advocate of smart, fuel-efficient…
The Lee Rayburn ShowPhysical therapists take your questions, Fighting Alzheimer’s through quilting, Fresh air and art in Milwaukee
Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to explain how fall chores, like raking leaves, are linked to injuries. Then, how a group…
The Lee Rayburn ShowNovel tells of Polish immigrant workers in Detroit; Poles celebrate their heritage in Wisconsin; and the path of a Migrant Farm Workers leader
A new historical novel focuses on the struggle of Depression-era Polish immigrant workers in the Midwest. Then, we talk about the enduring heritage of Poles in…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWisconsin’s award-winning mesonet system; Exploring the state’s corn crop and the impact of corn ethanol
First, we talk with Chris Vagasky, the manager of the Wisconsin Environmental Mesonet, about Wisconsin’s wild weather, forecasting, lightning and more. Then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHow to deal with allergies; and getting dental care to underserved children
Ragweed and grass pollen irritate many Wisconsinites this time of year. We talk to a nurse practitioner specializing in allergies, asthma and treatment. Then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowTech update; What’s at the Wisconsin Science Festival; ‘Replaceable You’ and the future of organ transplantation
Beth D’Angelo is back to tell us about dealing with data breaches and storage drives. Then, Bassam Shakhashiri is back to tell us about the Wisconsin Science…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHome remodels gone bad, and improving fire safety
We talk to a home inspector about the recent spate of bad-faith home remodelers he’s seen. Then, we talk to a fire inspector about residential hazards, such as…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWildlife update: Fall hunting season, Counting Wisconsin’s bats and more
Wildlife specialists David Drake and Jamie Nack return to talk about Wisconsin’s wild animals and the fall season. We hear about this year’s hunting season…
The Lee Rayburn ShowFall color on full display in ‘Our Wisconsin’ magazine
Wisconsin trees and forests explode with color every fall. So too does the photography and nostalgia in the October/November issue of “Our Wisconsin” magazine…
The Lee Rayburn ShowTime for tailgate grilling with Mad Dog and Merrill
Fall is football season — which means it’s also tailgating season! Grill masters Mad Dog and Merrill have great ideas for taking your grilling to a whole new…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHow each of us can fend off cybercriminals
Protecting our digital data from hackers and thieves is a never-ending and increasingly difficult challenge. We talk about cybersecurity with Michelle Reinen…
The Lee Rayburn ShowFall bird migration with Bill Volkert
Just in time for fall migration, Bill Volkert, a retired wildlife educator and naturalist, returns to the program to answer your bird questions.
The Lee Rayburn ShowA fall color tour down the Mississippi river
As fall color peaks, views overlooking the Mississippi River in the Driftless Area are especially spectacular. We’ll talk about the best overlooks and other…
The Lee Rayburn ShowExtending the life of your electronics and recent AI news; Weather Guys talk clouds
First, Jesse La Grew, the chief information security officer at Madison College, joins us to discuss technology and cybersecurity issues. He’ll talk about…
The Lee Rayburn ShowBrewers in the playoffs; reducing light pollution; and a dark sky initiative
We talk about the Milwaukee Brewers' bright prospects heading into the postseason. Then, we talk about how wildlife and people are harmed by light pollution…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe secrets of bear teeth; Sturgeon ecology and cultural importance in Wisconsin; Waterfowl hunting and conservation
First, we talk with Randy Johnson and Jennifer Price Tack of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about bears in Wisconsin, including some research…
The Lee Rayburn ShowEmergency medical care for pets; and conservation efforts through the Milwaukee County Zoo
We learn from an emergency veterinarian what can cause dire health issues for our pets, and what treatment they can receive. Then, we talk about the…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe power of low-intensity exercise; Madison author on her latest thrilling, funny novel
First, physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about the positive effects of low-intensity exercise. Then, author Ann…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe role of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities; why school funding is complicated; and how Native tribes see 250 years of U.S. history
The resources and advocacy Wisconsin cities and villages get from one statewide organization. Then, we talk about how we can better fund our schools. And then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowFall insect activity; Helping Wisconsin’s turtles; Wild rice restoration in Green Bay area
Entomologist Phil Pellitteri joins us to talk about the latest insect news from Wisconsin, including a rare virus spread by mosquitos. Then, we hear about…
The Lee Rayburn ShowAdvancements in restoring vision; what to expect from the Packers this season; and Wisconsin women champions of Gaelic football and hurling
Stem cell therapy shows promise at improving sight. Then, one week into the NFL season, we consider the Green Bay Packers’ prospects. And then, we’r introduced…
The Lee Rayburn ShowDoor County author shares the intimate story of her mother’s end of life; An introduction to meditation; Fall prevention and awareness
First, Theresa Evans joins to talk about her book “Choosing to Die.” Then, we hear how meditation could work in your life with contemplative scientist Cortland…
The Lee Rayburn ShowBuilding climate change resilience into our homes; and maintaining septic systems
It's home improvement day. We talk about how to bolster our homes against worsening weather conditions. Then, we learn why and how septic system maintenance is…
The Lee Rayburn ShowSea Grant looks at plastic in our clothes and PFAS in fish; Wisconsin elk update; Addressing agricultural runoff in the Lower Fox River basin
First, we talk with Jessica Frantal and Tisha King Heiden about two Wisconsin Sea Grant projects. Then, we hear how Wisconsin’s elk herds are doing from Josh…
The Lee Rayburn ShowDental care for aging adults; and Dr. Zorba talks measles and a new drug for pancreatic cancer
The decision to put off crucial dental care is often tied to access and affordability. Then, we talk to Dr. Zorba Paster about measles, vaccines, and a gaming…
The Lee Rayburn ShowReducing ovarian cancer; and increasing living organ donation
Most ovarian cancer develops in the fallopian tubes, which can be removed. We talk to a gynecologic oncologist about the game-changing procedure. Then, we talk…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHow renters can protect themselves; and what homeowners’ insurance does and doesn’t cover
It is not uncommon for renters to complain about their landlords, a state consumer protection official tells us. And often its for good reasons. Then, we talk…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWildlife update with David Drake; Prepare for fall paddling
UW-Extension Wildlife Specialist and Professor David Drake is back to answer your wildlife questions. He also talks about the weasel family and a few rare…
The Lee Rayburn ShowLate summer vehicle maintenance; Scandinavian heritage tours and a Swedish island winner
We talk about how our cars’ tires, batteries and cooling systems all need attention this time of year. Then, we travel to Sweden with a couple offering…
The Lee Rayburn ShowTech update; Weather Guys predict fall temperatures
Tech expert Beth D’Angelo returns to share her technology advice, including how to pick out a laptop. Then, The Weather Guys (Steve Ackerman and Jon Martin)…
The Lee Rayburn ShowYour guide to the night sky; our need for more dietary fiber; and why less protein is better
An astronomer tells us what we’ll see if we look up after dark. Then, we’ll talk about why we should eat more fiber and, probably, far less protein.
The Lee Rayburn ShowWatching for the fall bird migration; UW-Stevens Point researcher looks at mercury in birds and humans; Monarch butterfly conservation
First, Bill Volkert, a retired wildlife educator and naturalist, returns to the program to answer your bird questions. Then, we talk with Marie Perkins, a…
The Lee Rayburn ShowPet care: Dogs follow their noses, can be trained with toys, and love hiking with us
We spend the day with dogs. First, we learn why they're constant sniffing. Then, we learn how training with toys can calm the most anxiety-ridden canines. And…
The Lee Rayburn ShowExplaining our electoral system; How 2 key movements shaped Wisconsin’s labor history
We talk with David Schultz, a professor of political science, law and legal studies. He walks us through our country’s election system. Then, we talk about two…
The Lee Rayburn ShowNew memoir traces woman’s poverty in Africa to independence in Wisconsin; and help for domestic violence survivors in Milwaukee
A woman survives a bleak childhood in Kenya to become a nurse, mother and memoirist in Wisconsin. Then, we talk about how the Sojourner Family Peace Center…
The Lee Rayburn ShowInsect update with PJ Liesch; Podcast explores the science, practice and art of forestry
First, entomologist PJ Liesch returns to answer your questions about the bugs crawling around your home. Then, we talk with Greg Edge and Brad Hutnik about…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHow to handle an AWOL contractor; surveying maple syrup makers; and how farmers markets build community
Homeowners have legal options when a contractor leaves a home improvement project unfinished. Then, we know the economic impact of maple syrup production in…
The Lee Rayburn ShowPhysical therapists talk knee pain; Recognizing forms of elder abuse
First, physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum are back to talk about knee pain and osteoarthritis. Then, we talk about the different…
The Lee Rayburn ShowExterior work on a home should be made to last
The reasons to replace siding and trim includes, but is not limited to, aesthetics. We talk about why updating the exterior extends the life of a home.
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe future of Earth’s natural resources; How lead and zinc miners left their mark on southwest Wisconsin; Trout stream check-in
First, we talk with author James Crawford about his latest book “The Vanishing Earth." Then, historian Tracey Lee Roberts returns to tell the story of mining…
- The Lee Rayburn Show
Reducing ovarian cancer; and increasing living organ donation
Most ovarian cancer develops in the fallopian tubes, which can be removed. We talk to a gynecologic oncologist about the game-changing procedure. Then, we talk…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe Lee Rayburn Show visits the Wisconsin State Fair
Join us for a day at the Wisconsin State Fair! First, Shari Black talks about the event’s 175th anniversary. Then, we get the story behind the fair from…
The Lee Rayburn ShowConsumer protection; the limits of satellite broadband; and the expansion of high-speed internet in Wisconsin
We hear about the latest scams affecting consumers in Wisconsin. Then, we talk about internet access – first, through Starlink’s satellite broadband, and then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWildlife update with David Drake; What new federal wildlife rules mean for Wisconsin’s at-risk animals
David Drake, a UW-Extension wildlife specialist and professor, is back. This time he talks about Wisconsin’s many raccoons. Then, we break down the latest news…
The Lee Rayburn ShowEthical investing and disaster preparedness
To put our money to good use, we ask a wealth management expert for investing advice. Then, we talk to the co-authors of “The Emergency Playbook,” an…
The Lee Rayburn ShowCelebrating Wisconsin’s love of beer and pizza
We talk about the travel guide “Best Beer Hikes Wisconsin” with author Chad Turner. Then, we ponder Wisconsin’s love of frozen pizza and learn a little history…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHikers, bikers and paddlers unite; and a guidebook for families struggling with dementia
Silent Sports is “the journal for human-powered recreation” in the Upper Midwest. Its editor joins us. Then, talk with dementia specialist Dr. Nathaniel Chin…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe future of our electric grid; Beaver management in Wisconsin
First, UW-Milwaukee professor Robert Cuzner joins us to talk about the electrical grid. We also talk about microgrids — one answer to America’s power problems…
The Lee Rayburn ShowSmoky skies effects on pets; Door County history preserved; and adopters needed for working cats
We learn how to protect our pets from polluted air. Then, we hear how the Door County Historical Society restored a lighthouse and preserved its past. Then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowOptimizing your home Wi-Fi; Answering questions about Wisconsin’s weather and climate
First, Jesse La Grew, the chief information security officer at Madison College, joins us to discuss technology and cybersecurity issues. He’ll give his tips…
The Lee Rayburn ShowPast and future non-human organ transplants; and the high cost of housing in Wisconsin
A new book traces the history of nonhuman-to-human organ transplantation. Then, we learn why home prices keep rising and what can be done about it.
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe story of Mąą Wakącąk and the Badger Lands; Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program reaches 75th year
First, our guests Melanie Tallmadge Sainz and Mike Mossman share the story of Mąą Wakącąk and the Badger Lands in Sauk County. Then, we talk about our State…
The Lee Rayburn ShowReturning unclaimed property; history of dairy research; and the joy of inclusive birding
The state is trying to return $800 million in unclaimed money and property. Maybe some of it is yours. Then, we look back on the 40-year history of the Center…
The Lee Rayburn ShowPhysical therapists return with answers to your questions; Improve your sleep hygiene
First, physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum talk about the severity of falls in older adults. Then, Dr. Timothy Young gives us his…