Eau Claire Hometown Media

Back for a return visit is area doctor Eric Spears, a physicalmedicine rehabilitation doctor.  Listento episode #72 for details on his specialty and unique skill set.  On this episode, the two focus more on hismove to the direct-pay model and away from insurance-based care.  Why did Dr. Spears decide to make the moveand go through this new path to providing care? In his specialty, time with a pati...

The Eau Claire Marathon serves a prominent role in thecommunity and as such, a leader for initiatives.  One of those is serving as a positive example for “sustainability” and being good partners with our environment.  Kayse Elmquist helps to steer the marathon’s sustainability mission and we learn more about it on this episode What does “sustainability” mean and what do those effortswith the marat...

This episode takes a closer look at what grades actuallyrepresent and reflect in modern education.  In what ways has the process and methodology of grading in schoolschanged over the last few years and the rationale. Altoona ninth grade science teacher Rachel Haling and Altoona third grade teacher Courtney Marcks discuss how grading systems have evolved, the impact its had on student motivation an...

A number of local music groups exist in the Valley.  Lori Olsen with Troppo Big Band and Cathy Reitz from…well…everything joins us for the latest “Living Gallery” podcastfrom the Heyde Center.  They describe the role local music groups play in connecting the community and providingaccessible entertainment opportunities for both performers and the audience.

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting-but it also comes withplenty of surprises, challenges and learning curves.  Heather teaches A LOT of puppy classes and touches on the things new pet owners should realistically expect when they arewelcoming a new furry friend to their home.   From sleepless nights and pooping on your carpet to cuddles and laughter, all the ups and downs of puppyhood are covere...

In this episode, Keenan Crawford with Eau Claire's Poquette, Donnellan and Schlewitz Law dives into the different type of trusts available to individuals andfamilies.  From revocable living truststo irrevocable trusts, what are the pros and cons of each that provide assetprotection. How does all of thisdiffer from a “will”? Who should be thinkingabout trusts and why your marriage status factors in...

Hosted at The Phoenix Taproom and Kitchen T.J. Atkins (The Community Table) faces Chelsea Seckora (EC Chamber of Commerce) in this month's matchup. Hear who comes out on top in a series of general and local trivia questions

Presented by Poquette, Donnellan and Schlewitz What is estate planning? From “wills” to more intricatedocuments that cover deeper property that you have. Regardless, the goal is to preserve what you have for those you wish to leave it to.  Whether it be family, friends or organizations the objective is to leave the items to them and avoid probate.

The debut of this new series highlighting the Heyde Centerfor the Arts in Chippewa Falls, features a conversation with three local artists.  Darious Hussain, Jacoby Mattot and Joe Niese share their journeys, inspirations and the spark behind their various works. How has their backgrounds influenced their writing?  The most challenging parts they’ve needed toovercome and what their typical “routine...

Sure we have humans on this podcast but the true star is Chip, the Chippewa Fall’s Police Department’s therapy dog.  Investigator Joan Lawcewicz is Chip’s handlerand she and Chip visit with Heather on this latest episode to discuss the role Chip and therapy dog’s in general play. There are the fun outreach events including parades, butChip is also used for example soothing young children (and adul...

Presented by the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Giving students the skills and experiences to develop acareer with is the ultimate goal of a school. We meet with Laura Bushendorf who is the Career & Technical Education Coordinator for the district. She brings along junior Tyler Douglas along with one of the community partners, Amanda Christensen from WI Metal Fabto dive into the Y...

The thousands of runners who participate carry a story withthem and this month we hear a fascinating one.  Dr. Mike Broeker is a family physician in Eagan, MN who ran the marathon this spring but its more than that.  In2022, he donated one of his kidneys to a stranger. He has also been a “living liver” donor, saving additional lives. Find out what led to him doing this, and the role being anactive...

As discussed in Episode #112 HERE , Brian Muntro is a dog behavior specialist from the Twin Cities who recently took a trip to India to see first hand the lifestyle of street dogs.  These dogs roam freely among humans, similar to how we see squirrels and rabbits roaming around our backyards. These dogs live in a more natural state. On this episode, Brian discusses behavior trait takeaways hetook f...

In this episode, Heather talks with Brian Munro who recentlytook a trip to India to see first hand the complex world of street dogs in that country.  These animals have livedalongside humans for centuries.  From the bustling cities like Delhi to the beaches along the ocean. Brian is a dog behavior and training specialist in the TwinCities and details how what he saw with the free roaming dogs as o...

On today’s episode, we’re diving into how our furry friends experience different types of pain! From gastrointestinal discomfort to chronic injuries and neurological issues. Whether it’s itchy skin, limping, or restlessness in the car, recognizing subtle signs is key. Journaling behavioral changes can help you catch these issues early, because your dog’s body language often speaks louder than bark...

In this episode of Dose of Dog , we dive into the world of harnesses and collars for dogs. We explore the benefits and specific uses of different styles, from no-pull harnesses to martingale collars. This episode also covers the controversies and debates within the dog training community about which tools are safest and most effective. Whether you’re a new pet owner or a seasoned trainer, you’ll g...

Reinforcing desired behaviors is something Heather hasexplained throughout the series. She is a big believer in positive/added reinforcement in her training. That said, like anything, if certain steps aren’t followed the results might not be what you were hoping for.  We may actually be reinforcing a undesired action.  On this episode, shespecifically centers in a properly using “food” reinforcers...

What does it mean to give your dog “agency” -the ability tomake choices and have some control over their environment?  Heather discusses ways we can offer our dogsmore say and autonomy in what they do and why this leads to a healthier animal and a stronger bond. -           Understanding agency as it pertains to a caninecontext -           Simple ways to offer choice and options.  Such as sleeping...

Its summertime and we want to be in our yards and hangingout with our dogs.  Heather dives intothings to do with our dogs in the backyard and managing behavioral issues.  Your vision of that ideal summer night in thebackyard may differ from your dogs.  Whatare some of the common issues Heather hears. From barking to undesired digging.

Heather breaks down the real life expectations every newpuppy owner should have.  From sleepless nights and house training accidents to the joy of bonding and socializing.  Learn what you should be prepared for and set the proper expectations. The experience of having a puppy can (and should) be a greattime in life, but like all good things, takes work.

One of the keys to eliminating a bad habit is to slowlyreplace it with a good one.  It’s a philosophy that works with humans and one that is a great training tool for dogs aswell.  Heather discusses identifying a dog’s unwanted behavior and slowly working in a desired one via reinforcement. She gives some examples of creating a “yes” behavior toreplace a dozens of “nos”.   Installingdesired behavi...

Heather explores the simple yet powerful game of ‘fetch”  and how it can strengthen the bond between a dog and their owners.  However, like any game and physical activity there are rules to try to follow to make sure the benefits outweigh any potential risks Why is fetch a great game for both dog and owner? What are some potential “cons” to playing? Other options to consider if necessary Are there...

Dogs provide us with way more than they cost, but there isstill that cost. Heather brings on Cooper Larson from RCU to discuss the real costs of owning a dog. From veterinarian expenses to food and other essentials.  What are things to be prepared for so that you can make sure your dog’s well-being is budgeted for.

Early in the series, Heather went about out busting some commonly held myths when it comes to dog behavior.  Onthis episode, she updates and debunks some more myths as evidence has come forward that changes the way things are viewed. -           Are dog’s truly “den animals” -           How much should dog’s be made to “work” forattention -           The use of collars

How may physical issues, especially ones that haven’t beendiagnosed, impact the way your dog behaves. Heather discusses why this is apiece that can be overlooked because its subtle, but have a substantialimpact.