WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

Lake Effect

Society EN ↓ 390 episodes

Lake Effect is your connection to the community. We bring you conversations about the people, places and organizations that shape Milwaukee.

Author

WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.wuwm.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Tuesday 7/15/25: RNC economic impact, Cycle, Summer of Soul, Jewel's Catch One 15.07.2025

The economic impact of last summer’s Republican National Convention. The documentary Cycle examines the death of a Racine teenager at the hands of police. Preview of the Summer of Soul music series, and pay homage to the founder of what is now the oldest Black-owned disco in America.

Monday 7/14/25: Wisconsin's new state budget, Brady Street history, Judy Garland 14.07.2025

Wisconsin’s latest state budget, which Gov. Tony Evers signed earlier this month. History of Brady Street. Must-see attractions and experiences in Wisconsin. Behind Judy Garland’s last movie musical with MGM.

Thursday 7/10/25: Immigration lawyer check in, disaster mitigation and meteorology, famous moons 10.07.2025

Checking in with a Milwaukee immigration lawyer. The importance of accurate, accessible weather forecasts for disaster mitigation. The myths behind some of our solar system’s most famous moons. Science in the sand.

Wednesday 7/9/25: Democratic Socialism in 2025, Ko-Thi Dance recovery, Cinematic Sisterhood 09.07.2025

What it means to be a Democratic Socialist. Ko-Thi Dance Company’s efforts to raise money after losing federal funding. A new series called Cinematic Sisterhood expands the influence of women in film.

Tuesday 7/8/25: Kidney donation, Milwaukee Ham radio, zoo death investigations 08.07.2025

The process of donating a kidney. We meet some Ham radio enthusiasts and learn just how far their signal can go. How veterinary pathologists investigate zoo animal deaths.

Monday 7/7/25: A look at ways people are working to protect the environment 07.07.2025

We look at how flood risk has changed over time in Milwaukee and what can be done about it. We learn about the Farmers Market To Go store in Brookfield. We learn how the Crave Brothers farm is repurposing manure. Plus, tell you about the food and beauty that’s created by Milwaukee’s Cherry Street Garden.

Thursday 7/3/25: Choosing Love, Group Chat, Lake to Plate 03.07.2025

How people can identify as both conservative Christians and LGBTQ+. Two college-bound Milwaukee grads fear leaving their undocumented parents behind. An exhibit helping people learn where the fish they eat comes from.

Wednesday 7/2/25: ICE identification training, singing and heart health, Summer of Soul 02.07.2025

We visit a training that helps people identify and interact with ICE agents. The connection between singing and heart health. Preview of the Summer of Soul music event series.

Tuesday 7/1/25: Mental health, Cargill Community Kitchen, the original Barbie 01.07.2025

The mental health struggles among communities of color and young people. The Cargill Community Kitchen at the Mitchell Street Library Branch. The original Barbie model.

Monday 6/30/25: 'Choosing Love', Capitol Notes, Milwaukee Rec Director, pull tabs 30.06.2025

We speak with the authors of “Choosing Love,” a book that explores how people can identify as both conservative Christians and LGBTQ+. We share the latest on the state budget in Capitol Notes. We meet the director of Milwaukee Recreation. Plus, learn why you find pull tabs in so many Wisconsin bars.

Thursday 6/26/25: Humboldt Park history, Bay View Massacre victims, 'Marcella' documentary, Altoid tin art 26.06.2025

We learn about the history of Milwaukee’s Humboldt Park. We learn about the victims of the Bay View massacre. We speak with the director of the film, "Marcella." Plus, talk with an artist who created scenes of Milwaukee in Altoid tins.

Wednesday 6/25/25: Outgoing UWM Chancellor, Buc-ee's in Oak Creek, dunes 25.06.2025

UW-Milwaukee outgoing chancellor Mark Mone talks about his decade on the job. We learn about plans to open a Buc-ee's in Oak Creek. Plus, tell you about dunes in the Midwest.

Tuesday 6/24/25: Queer self defense class, JustUs and Books, Vel Phillips legacy, Live at Lake Effect 24.06.2025

We visit a self defense class geared towards queer and transgender people. We meet a local educator using virtual story time to get kids interested in reading. We look at the legacy of Vel Phillips. We bring you our music series, Live at Lake Effect.

Monday 6/23/25: Director of Office of African American Affairs, Clean Boats, Clean Waters origins, Milwaukee Rec summer programs 23.06.2025

We speak with the new director of Milwaukee’s Office of African American Affairs. We tell you how a middle school science project turned into a successful boat inspection program for aquatic invasive species. We tell you about Milwaukee Rec's summer programming.

Thursday 6/19/25: Milwaukee's Juneteenth history, Chirp Chat, summer solstice science 19.06.2025

Milwaukee's place in Juneteenth history. Then, we learn about Wisconsin’s state bird – the robin. Next, we learn the science behind the summer solstice, which is this Friday. Plus, we tell you about the Madison musical tradition of Concerts on the Square.

Wednesday 6/18/25: Anodyne union vote challenged, Indian Boarding School survivors, Milwaukee Music Roundup 18.06.2025

What's next for Anodyne workers after they voted to unionize but its parent company challenged the vote. An oral history project gathers stories of survivors who attended Indian Boarding Schools. New songs from local musicians in this month’s Milwaukee Music Roundup.

Tuesday 6/17/25: Lower international student enrollment, This Is It history, love in space 17.06.2025

The impact lower enrollment from international students could have on Wisconsin universities. History of the recently closed LGBTQ bar This Is It. The life partner of astronaut Sally Ride shares the complete picture of their love story.

Monday 6/16/25: Trauma healing, GOP state budget, Wisconsin Pride 16.06.2025

UWM conference explores trauma healing. Republicans craft their vision for Wisconsin’s state budget. The documentary “Wisconsin Pride” dives into our state’s LGBTQ history.

Thursday 6/12/25: Abortion and Wisconsin Supreme Court, energy efficient homes, reading mascots 12.06.2025

Two abortion cases currently before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Programs that help people living in Milwaukee make their homes more energy efficient. Books and Beyond explores the past summer reading mascots.

Wednesday 6/11/25: Reproductive healthcare restrictions, climate change haven, Sixteenth Street layoffs 11.06.2025

How the federal budget could impact people on Medicaid seeking reproductive healthcare. How Milwaukee is preparing to be a climate change refuge. Cuts at the Sixteenth Street Health Centers on Milwaukee’s south side.

Tuesday 6/10/25: SEWI LGBTQ Center closure, flood risks, animal attorney 10.06.2025

The closure of the LGBTQ Center of Southeastern Wisconsin and unanswered questions. Increased flooding risk due to climate change. A local animal attorney tells all.

Monday 6/9/25: Pardoning fake electors, My Two Elaines, eco-friendly surfboards 09.06.2025

Trump considers pardons for Wisconsinites who tried to overturn the 2020 election. A former Wisconsin governor shares his journey caring for his wife as she developed Alzheimer’s. A surfboard made of entirely eco-friendly materials.

Thursday 6/5/25: PrideFest progress, Next Narrative, bridge to nowhere 05.06.2025

Three queer Black organizers discuss progress they'd like to see in Milwaukee. A monologue program for Milwaukee high schoolers. How a bridge on Milwaukee’s lakefront is linked to the Indian Community School.

Wednesday 6/4/25: Sturgeon Protectors, summer community, Summer CAMP! 04.06.2025

An indigenous-led movement protecting returning sturgeon. How Milwaukee Film is embracing camp for Pride month. How Alice's Garden is cultivating community and peace this summer.

Tuesday 6/3/25: Local deportation resistance, reality TV dating, local restaurant news 02.06.2025

One local woman’s fight to stop her deportation. Did a Wisconsinite find love on Farmer Wants a Wife? The local restaurants that have closed and some new ones in town.

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