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 ShowLife along the Upper Mississippi River; and how to become a Canadian citizen
Everything about the Upper Mississippi River is discussed in Big River Magazine. We talk to founding editor Reggie McLeod about the stories included in the new…
The Lee Rayburn ShowMid-summer insect update; Befriending Wisconsin’s bumble bees
First, Phil Pellitteri is back to share his knowledge about Wisconsin’s insects, including earwigs and ants. Then, Terrell Hyde and Jay Watson give us an…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe ‘gut-brain axis’ connection to autoimmune disease; and Dr. Zorba Paster talks wellness
Research is showing that our gut microbiomes affect our brain health, and may be the cause of autoimmune diseases. Then, we talk about the extreme heat and…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHow GPS shapes our modern world; UW-Stout professors and students experiment with AI and filmmaking; Viroqua group teaches community how to fix household items
First, we talk with Katherine Dunn about her latest book “Little Blue Dot: How the Global Positioning System Shaped the Modern World.” Then, we hear from…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHome improvement: Ask a remodeler and an electrician
We’ll hear about new trends in home remodeling from Chad Speight and Tony Trapp. Then, we’ll talk about updating electrical systems with Adam Gullickson, an…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWildlife Wednesday with David and Jamie; Forestry & Wildlife Division of Extension helps Wisconsin’s forestry community; Kenosha area school, environmental group team up to protect watersheds
Jamie Nack and David Drake are back to answer your questions about Wisconsin’s wild animals. Then, Scott Hershberger and Tony Johnson tell us about resources…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWisconsin tourism sets records; Mt. Telemark Village named ‘destination of the year’; and APT receives its first Tony Award
We talk to Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers about a record year for visitors and revenue. Then, we visit the year-round recreation hub that is Mt…
The Lee Rayburn ShowAudio documentary about morel mushroom mystery; Vegetarian and vegan cooking tips from Madison chef; ‘Let’s Make Cocktails!’ offers comics and instruction
First, Ryan Feldman, a toxicologist at the Wisconsin Poison Center, joins to talk about his latest project “A Morel Dilemma.” Then, Chef Lauren Montelbano of…
The Lee Rayburn ShowIntroducing The Lee Rayburn Show
Lee Rayburn invites you to join him starting Monday as he continues the legacy of Larry Meiller on WPR. Each weekday, Lee brings helpful conversations with…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: Outdoor living spaces; Effective landscape lighting
Now is the time of year to really enjoy your yard. We share some updates on the latest in patio design with the owner of Hawks Landscape in Wauwatosa. And then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHome improvement: Energy efficiency and your home’s exterior, Concrete for driveways
Wisconsin registered home inspector John Freiburger is back to share how you can make your home more energy efficient by improving its exterior. Then, we cover…
The Lee Rayburn ShowHoney bees and their social behavior, Sharp-tailed grouse conservation, and truffle-hunting researchers
First, we talk with Marquette professor Chelsea Cook about her research on honey bees, beekeeping and her work in the community. Then we hear the sharp-tailed…
The Lee Rayburn ShowDon’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened
We say a fond farewell to Larry Meiller in his 60th year of broadcasting for Wisconsin Public Radio. Join Lee Rayburn and Jill Nadeau as they talk with Larry…
The Lee Rayburn ShowA closer look at the Wisconsin Idea; The Weather Guys return
We talk about the Wisconsin Idea — the University of Wisconsin’s goal to work with people, communities and the land around the state. Our guests are Catherine…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: Why we garden; Wisconsin native ecosystems
Gardening expert Patti Nagai is back and gets a bit philosophical about gardening. She also talks about keeping your garden looking good into summer. Then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowA pre-road trip vehicle checklist; and the history of brewing beer in the Madison area
Before you hit the road this summer, here’s a vehicle maintenance checklist. Then, we talk about the rich history of brewing in and around Wisconsin’s capital…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWisconsin author shares tips for traveling better in old age
Author Glenn Schmidt has traveled to more than 60 countries. Each of his trips teach him something about the art of being a traveler. Schmidt shares his tips…
The Lee Rayburn ShowDog training manual author returns; and how best to handle the end of a pet’s life
Animal behaviorist and author Patricia McConnell returns to share more dog training advice. Then, we talk about how to say goodbye to an aging or ailing pet.
The Lee Rayburn ShowCatching up with Michael Perry; The top songs of 1967
First, Larry reminisces with Wisconsin author Michael Perry. Then, we celebrate the music of 1967 — the first year Larry was on the radio — with Tom Wilmeth, a…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: Keeping pollinators in mind; Outdoor living for indoor plants
Nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about how to tweak your garden to make it more pollinator friendly. Then in the last thirty…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWind turbine building crew at center of novel ‘Pigeon Falls’; and how to shop for liability insurance
We talk to the author of “Pigeon Falls,” a new novel about the high-pressure building of a wind farm in small-town Wisconsin. Then, we talk to an attorney…
The Lee Rayburn ShowInsect update; Outdoor writers talk about Wisconsin’s turkey hunt, Conservation Congress and more
First, entomologist PJ Liesch returns to answer your questions about bugs and give his prediction for this year’s mosquito season. Then, our outdoor writers…
The Lee Rayburn ShowReal property tax relief, and professional tax advice
We talk about organizations and programs helping low income and senior homeowners pay their property taxes. Then, we learn about how new tax law changes will…
The Lee Rayburn ShowPhysical therapists answer your questions; ‘Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisconsin Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving’
Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about preventing injuries from warm weather activities like golf and yard work…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: When your garden gets thirsty; The Vicars of Vegetables reunite!
Horticulture educator Vijai Pandian is back to talk about what we can do to get through those phases. And in the second hour of the show, long-time guests…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWays to prevent water in your basement; and the pros and cons of hot tub ownership
There are many ways for water to get into your basement and cause health issues and structural problems. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your basement…
The Lee Rayburn ShowBirdwatching in the summer: What to watch for when migration ends
It’s a busy time of year for Wisconsin’s birds. For many species, May is time for the migration, June is devoted to nesting and July is the fledging season…
The Lee Rayburn ShowA Med Flight physician retires; and Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment
We talk about how emergency medicine via helicopter was remade by a UW-Madison physician. Then, we talk about Alzheimer’s disease from multiple angles…
The Lee Rayburn ShowTechnology update; ‘The Long Game’
Tech expert Beth D’Angelo returns to answer your questions about internet safety, hard drive security and phone storage limits. Then, we talk about the soccer…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: How to stretch your gardening dollars; The growing popularity of raised beds
With everything costing more, we have less money left over for our garden. Lis Friemoth is back with tips for doing more with less. We also talk with Gardener…
The Lee Rayburn ShowProtection from scams, and the limited value of extended warranties
Wisconsinites are being hit with a litany of new and old scams, we learn from the state’s consumer protection office. Then, we talk to a Wirecutter writer…
The Lee Rayburn ShowWildlife Wednesday; Managed grazing in Wisconsin
Scott Craven, emeritus professor and UW Extension wildlife ecologist, joins us for another Wildlife Wednesday. Then, we talk about managed grazing. Our guests…
The Lee Rayburn ShowA science literacy advocate; and making falling space debris less dangerous; listener suggestions
We talk about how scientists and the general public could benefit from greater science literacy. Then, we talk about how to reduce the amount of space debris…
The Lee Rayburn ShowLiterary horror set in Antarctica is subject of UW professor’s novel; Your guide to summertime cooking and grilling
First we talk with author Quan Barry about “The Unveiling,” our latest book club selection. Then, Chef Luke Zahm and Chef Patrick O’Halloran return to talk…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: Bayfield in Bloom 2026
We are once again celebrating northern Wisconsin with our annual live broadcast from Bayfield.
The Lee Rayburn ShowSchool boards are bastions of democracy; farmer and aid worker writes memoir; and the history of a Madison sports stadium
We talk about the importance of school boards to a democracy. Then, a Wisconsin farmer writes his life story for future generations. Finally we look at the…
The Lee Rayburn ShowSpotting springtime invasive plants; Wild turkeys in Wisconsin; Whooping crane population update
First, we talk about the invasive plants you might be seeing this spring with Mark Renz. Then, we remember the history of wild turkeys in Wisconsin with Paul…
The Lee Rayburn ShowProtecting our pets from ticks; and a new ban on taking native reptiles from the wild
Blood-sucking ticks are seemingly everywhere these days. We talk with a veterinarian about how to protect our pets from Lyme disease and other illnesses. Then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe unifying and healing powers of music
For this Memorial Day special, we start by talking about the music of the Vietnam War. Then, we cover the book “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: Tomato growers handbook; We need bugs; Pet safe gardens
The author of a new book shares everything you need to know about growing tomatoes - from seed to harvest. Then PJ Liesch stops by to talk about all the good…
The Lee Rayburn ShowThe implications of ‘gray divorce’; and regional news from Big River Magazine
We talk about the financial and familial fallout that can come from late-in-life divorce and remarriage. Then, we take a look inside the new issue of Big River…
The Lee Rayburn ShowBiodiversity in our state; Port Washington’s environmentally-friendly marina; Mushrooms in the garden
First, we talk about why biodiversity matters in Wisconsin, and what scientists like Ellen Damschen are doing to conserve plant and animal life. Then, we visit…
The Lee Rayburn ShowSwedish cuisine; Old World Wisconsin expands; and how music transports us
We talk about Scandinavian cuisine with the author of “The Swedish Cookbook.” Then, two overseers of Old World Wisconsin invite us to its expanded site. Then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowPhysical therapy: hypermobility; Meat, sustainability and the future on our plates
Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about hypermobility, joint pain and receiving proper treatment. Then, author…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: Growing vegetables in containers; Is it time to try straw bale gardening?
There is nothing like fresh food from your own garden! Mark Dwyer is back talk about growing veggies in containers adding ornamental edibles to your landscape…
The Lee Rayburn ShowFinding talented tradespeople for home projects; Exploring Lake Michigan’s many shipwrecks
We talk about the challenges and advantages of enlisting skilled craftspeople for your home improvement projects with design and building professionals Chad…
The Lee Rayburn ShowInsect update; Preserving Wisconsin farmland for future generations; May is for wetlands
First, we talk with Phil Pellitteri, an entomologist, about the bugs that want to eat your new plant growth this spring. Then, we talk about young farmers and…
The Lee Rayburn ShowCare for caregivers; stroke awareness; and a visit by Dr. Zorba Paster
More Americans are caring for aging loved ones and experiencing related stress. Then, we talk about strokes – preventing them, recognizing the signs, and…
The Lee Rayburn ShowTech update; Robots and AI on the farm; Milwaukee’s The Whatnot Museum
Tech expert Jesse La Grew is back to share the latest news on the regulation of virtual private networks, facial recognition technology and more. Then…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGarden Talk: Adding natives to an established garden; A photographer’s journey through grief and gardening
Nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about the benefit of adding natives to your garden. Then we talk to celebrated photographer…
The Lee Rayburn ShowGreat new books to read this summer
We head into summer with a curated list of 20 recently books recommended by Daniel Goldin, owner of the Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee.
The Lee Rayburn ShowWildlife Wednesday: Transform your woodland into a wildlife haven
Regular guests and wildlife specialists Jamie Nack and David Drake return to tell us about The Wisconsin Coverts Project, what to do if you find a fawn and…
The Lee Rayburn ShowSpring issue of ‘Our Wisconsin’ revels in state character and beauty
The April/May issue of “Our Wisconsin” magazine includes stories about bluebird boxes, oleo smuggling and roadside chapels built by Belgian settlers in…