Conversations

Listen this week as WDRT's very own Andrew Spayde talks with host Steve Brandl about how he creates his weekly musical program "Juice and Snack". He also talks about his life growing up in Ohio as a Cleveland Browns fan and takes the first ever "Stump the D.J" quiz.

Guest Tatiana Katara joins host Kailean Welsh for this week’s Thanksgiving episode of Conversations. They talk traditions, stories, and gratitude, exploring ways to re-align with the greater meaning of this holiday.

Deer and the deer hunting tradition is the topic of Conversations airing November 20, 2025. Marcy West is joined by long-time conservationist Jeff Hastings, who currently serves as the southern representative to the Natural Resources Board and Dan Goltz who works for the Department of Natural Resources as the Wildlife Biologist for Vernon and Richland Counties.

Granville  'Sonny' Van Dusenis an American stage, screen, and voice actor who portrayed Race Bannon in the 1986 television series The New Adventures of Jonny Quest, Van Dusen portrayed the 16th president of the United States for 25 years in the one-man play, The Memoirs of Abraham Lincoln. His 1992 performance in Wausau, Wisconsin, aired by Wisconsin Public Television and part of its archives, drew a standing ovation and his depiction of Lincoln is regarded among his best work stage acting. He has appeared in over 200 films and tv shows and has done over 1000 voice overs for commercials.  He lives half the year in DeSoto

This week, Host Steve Brandl talks with Abbie Hawes and Tomas Herrera from Ethos Green Power Coop about the latest news in Green Energy and their worker-owned Co-op. Tune in to learn more about Solar energy production and Mini-Split heating and cooling. 

Loma Huh and Mary Christenson explore the value of cultural exchange in learning to be more open, knowledgeable and understanding of people from other cultures. Loma married a S. Korean man and lived in Korea for several years raising their children before relocating to Viroqua. Since 2011 she and her niece have created programs for many Korean students to have a unique experience of Viroqua while improving their English skills.

Emily Berge, Democrat candidate for Wisconsin’s 3rd District, US House of Representatives joins Frank Dravis for a conversation on the upcoming election, demographics of the 3rd district, rural healthcare, and other topics of current interest.

For this week’s Conversations, host Kailean Welsh speaks with Susan Nesbit about her work as a Death Doula. Susan talks about the importance of reclaiming death as a natural part of life and shares ideas on how we can prepare for the end of life from an intentional and open space.

DeWayne, Lori and Aaron from Linds Home Center talk with Steve Brandl about the history of their business and other businesses and happenings in the Cashton area. 

Joel Jepsen, Forestry Specialist for the Wisconsin DNR joins Marcy West to have a Conversation about what makes our woodlands special and the programs and people who can assist landowners in managing their forests.

I have chosen an hour with a great woman from "Down Under" as my last regularly scheduled Conversation. Recorded eight years ago, and still vivid in my memory. I think Sister Val is just what the world needs right now.

Mary Christenson talks with Mark Shepard about Restoration Agriculture - a form of perennial agriculture that Mark developed on his home farm in Viola, WI, and which is spreading across the globe to address the ecological and social issues of farming today.

Mississippi Valley Conservancy and its land and ecosystem conservation efforts are the focus of Frank Dravis’ conversation with Carol Abrahamzon and Abbie Church, long time leaders of the conservancy.

Emotional health and relationships can be complicated, and we could all use some tips. Host Kailean Welsh talks with Marriage & Family therapist Michelle Thomas for this week’s Conversations. They talk about the changing face of counseling, therapy, and wellness. 

Eddy Nix spends the hour talking the Driftless music scene with Christina Dollhausen.

A String of Pearls is a wonderful description of the Wisconsin communities that border the Mississippi River. This week Marcy West has a Conversation with Sherry Quamme of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission about the Great River Road and National Scenic Byway designation. Listen in for some of the history of the designation and the significance of our local communities along the river. Get ready to plan your next road trip, birding or boating adventure through Sherry's insight and expertise.

Ed Holahan is the host, Merten Petersen is the guest. They will spend the hour discussing everything Crochet. Merten is a polished practitioner. Ed wouldn't know a crochet hook from a corkscrew. It's an education! 

Mary Christenson talks with Philothea Bezin about the history and ongoing efforts of Viroqua Plastic Free, a local organization whose goal is to fight plastic pollution in our own backyards. Listen in for a great conversation and practical  tips. 

Independent books stores as community hubs. Frank Dravis talks with Beth Hartung of Pearl Street Books on how your local bookstore is more than a quaint place to browse for your next read.

Eddy Nix spends the hour with mIEKAL aND, talking poetry, permaculture, winemaking, AI and a whole bunch more.